I just built up another fly rod and used black rubber/fiber sheet to add thin black accent rings. It went ok but there has to be something out there better for this.
The problem is once glued up they become harder to sand than the adjacent cork rings and therefor stand out above the cork and need special attention to make look somewhat ok.
I have used thin black plastic from DVD cases and have the same problem. I have used burnt cork but too hard to sand down to the thinness that I want.
Is there something out there that someone can recommend? And where can I find it. The example is the thin black rings used in Burkheimer's custom rods handles.
Thanks Mike

Michael,
Your issue is common when you get into special techniques. The key thing to do is to use a sanding block with the sanding paper. The sanding block will prevent sanding low spots in the softer material.

Take care
Roger

As Roger states above, it is a common problem when you combine materials of different densitys. To work them effectively, you must take special care to not cut the softer cork below the level of the other material. Also as Roger mentions using a flat block to sand allows you to better take down the harder substance to a level with the cork. I also find I can use a very sharp tool such as a small chisel or parting tool to address only the material other then the cork cutting it to the desired level then sanding the cork down to match it. Care and patience with a light touch!

We did an article on this in a past issue of RodMaker. The key is to do most of your shaping and sanding as is, and then just before the final sanding, you use a single edge razor blade to shave the high area of the foam very cleanly, followed by the last bit of sanding. The final result is a very level and smooth overall surface.

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

Michael,

For very thin accent rings I've used thin sheets of wood veneer that I purchase from my local Woodcraft Store which eliminates some of the problem you mentioned. You can buy packets of all one color or a variety pack. Keep in mind that you will need to glue 2 or more sheets together to keep the wood from splitting when you bore the hole necessary to glue up your grip. The wood is very thin and will cut with household scissors. Hope this helps.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Sam

sam made a good suggestion to your problem. one thing to try for boring those thin sheets of veneer or other thin materials. you can use a single paper hole punch or traditional punch. it will allow you to keep your thin material flat and supported without putting pressure to crack the material. you can also just sandwich it between two sacrificial pieces to give it support and drill it out.

Thin cork can be had as gasket material, cork/rubber for darker trim rings, and you used to be able to get some color variety by looking at different manufacturers. When I was in the trades, getting cork remenants from places that also custom cut gaskets onsite was very easy and free for the taking.

i use burnt cork and mudhole's cork ring slicing jig shimed as per instructions" to create slices as thin as 1/32". 1 1/4 fender washers make good shims, they all seem to be different thickness. find a thick one and your good to go. rubberized cork rings make for very durable edges too. but its harder to cut.

It may sound goofy, but plastic soap bottle, bleach bottles, plastic, coffee cans, etc make GREAT trim rings. Cut the flat sections out of anything you find and either cut them up in 1 1/2" squares or use a 1 1/2" hole saw to cut rings. Glue them up in your grip and you're good to go! Go to a "Dollar Store" or Goodwill type store and browse around. Think outside of the box!! I have made rings out of plastic place mats, bowls, cutting boards, etc. You can get a Lot of rings out of an 89 cent floor tile.

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 using EVA foam for thin bands and mixed with cork for checkers in grips. When using EVA for making checker patterns I use metal circle clamps and don't tighten them too much as the EVA will crush and bulge out. I have had good success with EVA and like the multitude of colors available. Just an idea for you.

Doug Webb

My key has been sharp tools, sanding block, and I cheat by taping of the softer cork while I take down the ridge of the harder matterial. Also, drywall sanding screens and work well but will tear the tape in a second...best to use a sanding block with light touch with sanding screen.