So I have some knowledge on how to build the grips. My curiosity is, when you have the carbon sleeve over the foam or eva core and its tied off to taper the ends, should a rod be inserted into the center to allow the dryer to spin it during resin coating application?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 02:28PM by Andrew Cake.

RodMaker V10 #6 will answer all your questions - that's where this technique was introduced to the rod building craft.

There are two ways to wet out the skin - the open method where you form by hand and wet with epoxy may require a means for turning for the grip. The shrink tube method does not, as the tubing captures and expels excess epoxy. It can't sag or run because it's encapsulated with the tubing.

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Tom, im fairly new, so I dont quite have those issues. lol, so let me give you more info. Im using a foam core. now, do i apply the epoxy to the core first then slide the sleeve over the core, tighten the ends next then let cure?

No, just slide the skin over the core, bind the ends and apply the wetting epoxy. The epoxy will soak through to the core.

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Tom once again, thank you for helping me solve an issue. Its nice to have folks on here that have the knowledge and insight on this craft to get us younger generation on the right track.

Many of us put the foam core on a mandrel and then place the sleeve on the core, then apply the epoxy. This the open method as perfected by J P Timberlake.

I haven't tried the open method yet, but thats right around the corner.

Mandrel method works very well. I like the method outlined by by Mike from Riley Rods. Their site has the step by step technique with helpful hints. Great source for any material you may need as well.

I have tried a few carbon grips with great success but would like to try the shrink wrap method. Where could I find the shrink wrap big enough for this job?
Thanks

Mudhole has a shrink wrap for protecting grips. It is perforated though, so I don't know if it would be suitable strength wise for
doing carbon foams.

[www.mudhole.com]

take a look here several handle type wraps [www.mudhole.com]

Bill - willierods.com

what I was looking for was a "heat shrink" tube for use with the carbon sleeve. After you wet it up you put the heat shrink tube over and heat up, allow to cure and cut off.I have uses plastic wrap with success but there is some wet sanding in the end to knock down the ridges and with a heat shrink like Tom is talking about I would not have to do that. Make sence?

Thanks,

Eric

The Mudhole link in my post above is actually for a heat shrink tubing. Also, if you google a company called Uline, they also carry heat shrink tubing
starting at 2" (before shrinking), however there is usually a minimum order with them.

~ RO

e mail Tom and ask him what he uses

Bill - willierods.com