I just got a large batch of cork grips in various sizes. They have a large I.D. Can I use reel seat arbors or tape on rods I build to be able to fit the larger diameter grips. I have used arbors on reel seats several times.

you'll need to make your arbors full length. any unsupported cork is likely to crack/break.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

Ed,
Just make full length arbors.
An easy way to make arbors is to simply use masking tape of various widths to build up the blank to the right size. Leave spaces of about 1/8th to 3/16th inch between the rows of tape for glue. This will insure a secure long wearing bond.
You can use old low quality cork to also make arbors of separate rings. Just turn the rings to size, and glue them up at the same time as you slip the grip into place.
You can do what manufacturers have been doing for years, you can use a cardboard sleeve to hold the grip. You can use a poly arbor turned down to the right size on the outside and bored to the right size on the inside. Or you can use paper, fiberglass, resin beads, glass, carbon, or any other material of your choice. Normally if you use a product that is basically light and space filling that can be glued in place, you will have a good arbor. It is your choice. But, do make sure that you have support 100% of the way, or you will have soft spots and the handle will break or depress in those areas of non support.

Folks commonly do this all of the time. That way there is no boring or reaming ever required on the grip. Simply build the blank up to match the interior of the grip, glue it up and you are good to go.

Of course, the lighter the better.

Take care
Roger

Thanks for the good advice I am learning .

If you have a large area drywall mesh tape works very good, it is thicker requiriung less wraps and allows full saturation of the epoxy for a better grip, IMO. Good luck.

Eric

If I haven`t the arbors in stock I will do the same as Eric. Be sure to work your epoxy into the mesh.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

or just build the blank up with coats of thread finish. i have heard that before.

Depending on the difference in diameter you can also use thread, string or cordage to feel in the gap. Doesn't have to be pretty, reasonable gaps makes it go faster, use less material and you can run back over what you've already done to fill the gap still more if you like. Just make sure you encapsulate everything in epoxy to keep water out.