repairing cork handles

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Re: repairing cork handles

Posted by: roger wilson (---.hsd1.mn.comcast.net)

Date: January 10, 2012 09:27AM

Jack,
In addition to Phil's comments on cleaning, I have used simple green cleaner, hot water and a tooth brush for years to clean a handle before repair.

After cleaning and drying, I let the handle sit for at least a week, to insure that it is bone dry.

Then, I use Elmer's filler to fill the holes. When the filler is completely dry, I go over the handle with a stiff cloth and a good solvent that will cut the filler.. The idea is that you want to wipe off the filler, except where the holes are. By using a stiff cloth or equivalent, the surface of the handle gets wiped free of filler, but the holes are left filled. Normally, it works much better to wipe off the excess filler with a solvent filled rag than to try to sand it off.

Generally, a nice wipe with the cloth, and then just a once over with 320 sandpaper and you have a handle that is good to go.

If the pits are quite deep, you might have to repeat the filler a 2nd or even a 3rd time. The filler works best if it is applied in thinner layers, rather then a big chunk. That way you minimize shrinking and filler loss.

Good luck
Roger

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