I'm making split grip spinning rods and have to cut my foregrip cork as part of the process. I tape the cork off with painter's tape then use a cork saw to make the cut, scoring a little at a time as I rotate the cork. My last time through did not go so well. The cut was a little uneven and when I slid the cork up against the reel seat there was a very small gap in one location. Running the cork in a figure 8 over sandpaper did not seem to help any. My question is two fold, what method do you use with your cork to make a straight cut and does it make more sense to buy a cork jig to insure a straight cut? Thanks very much.

If you have a drill you can get a scrap blank that fits the drill and also the cork fits on. Even if you have to build up with tape. While it turns support the open end and then cut with the saw. Straighter cut

Or use a lath

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2011 04:59PM by bill boettcher.

I usa a cork jig i bought at one of the shows. Cuts a perfect ring every time and can also do checkerboard cuts

Paul@soonercustomrod.com

Try this method, 1. Take a piece of paper and wrap it around the cork 2. align the paper (factory edge) where you want to make the cut, the paper should make a "perfect" line around the cork. 3. tape the paper in place. 4. Mark the line around the paper's edge. (I use a pencil) 5. Remove paper and inspect your line. 6. Cut. I have a "cork slicing jig" as one poster had mentioned but mine does not allow the cork to pass through so you can cut it anywhere along the length. I learned this "trick" from cutting PVC pipe. Try it on a piece of scrap first. Let me know how it works for you.

Sent From R.J. Steiner's iPhone. (While I'm on the Crapper)

Take a piece of 2x4 and using a 1 1/4" Forstner bit, drill numerous holes to the various depths corresponding to thicknesses that you want for rings. Pick a hole the depth you want, stick the ring in and slice it off. Hand saw or band saw. Just curious, what is a "cork saw"??

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I have been overly impressed with a set of slicer/checkboard jigs I purchased off 'an @#$%& site that shall remain nameless'. They have been well worth the money for me. I think the maker of these jigs roams this board (or I have seen them in the photo directory)

Take'er Eazy
Andy Doc



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2011 12:22PM by Andy Dochterman.

If your talking about cutting a handle as appose to an individual ring, I just use a compound miter saw with a really fine blade used for finish work.

Mike -
I think the 'cork saw' is, in fact, a jewelery saw (as is sold on MudHole). Very, very fine blade & work well for cutting rings, checkerboards etc.

Ken,

I still can't believe anyone can use those. When I tried them, it took a dozen blades to cut 1 ring. This is the best thing that I have found [www3.towerhobbies.com] kerf is .010 and is thye only thing thin enough to fit the round checkerboard jig

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I have no idea what the big deal is If a builder makes a handle and it does not fit completely on the seat

mark the high spot and with a sanding block with 100 grit on it - block sand -- check often and make it fit ??

I do it all the time

If making 1/4" rings cut them on a lath or a drill or even a jig with washers under it for the size you need

And people say I just want to hear myself talk ??? Doooo

If you are trying to level rings - lay them on a flat surface - find the bad or hight section - Block sand it to become level

Bill - willierods.com

Mike i use those jewlery saws and the blades i think size 11. I usually go through 2-3 each cut. The good thing they are dirt cheap. I have not tried the razor saw but may after your post.
thanks

Paul@soonercustomrod.com

A nice saw for cork work is a Stanley 20-331.

Paul,

That is the ONLY model that will fit the slots in the round checker jig When slicing rings, it doesn't quite go all the way through so you have to rotate the ring to finish the cut. I have been using the sane saw for years and it's great

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!