Any of you folks out there make their own cork filler with cork dust and glue? Just getting into turning my own cork grips and I've tried some of the commercial products out there with mixed results. Just wondering if this would work for cork as long as the right glue was used. Thanks.

maybe this will help: [rodbuilding.org]

Bill - willierods.com

The problem with most fillers made from cork dust and glue is that the filler ends up being harder than the cork itself. Or, you have something that's as soft, but doesn't adhere well.

The traditional filler was cork dust and Duco Cement.

Modern wood putty is your best bet, although it's not perfect either.

..............

Bill,
I have tried many different "filler" mixes, but have come back to Elmer's wood filler in the light oak color. Fairly inexpensive, easy to sand and reasonably long life
After completing the coarse sanding of a handle, I use high pressure air to blow everything out of any grip imperfections. Then, I use the Elmer's wood filler to fill each and every imperfection. I let the filler dry for 24 hours, and then put the handle back on the lathe.
I then go with 150 grit paper to quickly bring down the filler to the main handle material. Then finish up with progressively finer and finer grits until you are satisfied with the final results.

In previous years I spent way too much time pursuing the sport of model air racing. As a result, I did a lot of gluing and sanding on balsa wood for wing coverings and other products. Over time we found that Toms comment is right on. i.e. you need to have a cement that is no harder than the product being glued, or the filler will be next to impossible to sand. i.e. you will sand away the cork, but will leave glue ridges.

Tom also has it right. If you want to make a filler out of glue, the best glue to use id Duco, household or common model airplane cement. This is a fast curing glue that works very well to both glue, but to be able to sand.

But - and there is a very big BUT - the problem is the fast cure rate of the glue. The fast glue rate of the glue really means that you really can't mix up a batch of filler in advance. If you do mix up a batch of filler in advance, you really can't store it, without having parts of the mix cure and thus not do a good job of filling. But, if you want to take a quantity of cork dust, mix with Duco filler, and use it on the spot, it can work quite well.

But, and these are big buts - the holding of the cork dust, the task of mixing the dust with the Duco cement - for each and every filling job is a time filling job that often takes time away from jobs that could be done rather than mixing filler.

That is why - although the cork dust and Duco cement work fine- I only use the Elmer's wood filler for the cork any longer.

Good filling.

Roger

Thanks Guys, I used the Elmer's wood filler just like you do Roger and that seems to be the best of the batch I tried. Was just wondering if anyone out there had a better idea or product. Info appreciated.

I also use Elmers wood putty. Many of us have found the Light Oak color is the best color match on most cork.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

The best we have found:
[www.mudhole.com]

Elmer's golden oak.

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Team Mud Hole Custom Tackle
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Yep, Elmers Golden Oak.

I think that every one knows that Elmers filler is widely available at most home buiding stores and hardware stores.

Roger

I use the Elmer's Golden Oak and Natural colors... never heard of "Light Oak", and I don't see it on Elmer's site.