Sounds like I still need to learn more about how to use carbon fibre. I think the idea is ti use the foam to maximize your ability to feel any force acting on your terminal line, like say a river bottom or light strike. Do you heat shrink the carbon sleeve ? I got interested because I like the look of it a lot, but if it has a real function I want to take advantage of that. I just don'y understand if you simply ream and turn the foam core,or do I need more info on this. Are there any video tutorials out there? I am grateful for you guys tho'. You all have been really helpful. Thanks again.

Harry T. Bell

These grips were introduced to the rod building craft in the pages of the Volume 10 #6 issue of RodMaker Magazine. Full details on making both the cores and skinning them are included.

There are two methods for forming the skin over the cores, one is simply wetted out by hand and the other requires heat shrink (the inventors of these grips each have their own preferred method - Andy prefers wetting out by hand while I prefer heat shrinking).

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

I'm lazy! It sure would be great if somebody would manufacture and sell stock sizes and shapes of carbon fiber grips.

John Gaylord
Keewaydin Custom Rods
Dublin, OH; Naples, FL
jgbuckeye@gmail.com

Harry Bell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sounds like I still need to learn more about how
> to use carbon fibre. I think the idea is ti use
> the foam to maximize your ability to feel any
> force acting on your terminal line, like say a
> river bottom or light strike. Do you heat shrink
> the carbon sleeve ? I got interested because I
> like the look of it a lot, but if it has a real
> function I want to take advantage of that. I just
> don'y understand if you simply ream and turn the
> foam core,or do I need more info on this. Are
> there any video tutorials out there? I am grateful
> for you guys tho'. You all have been really
> helpful. Thanks again.

Im in the same boat as you are. For my purposes im only interested in the astetics... and I have to say I think these grips are some of the best looking grips out there.

Im doing it a little differently than some. Im pouring the foam around a mandrel which is the same size as the rod blank. Mine are going on surf type rods so there is already a piece of a aluminum for the handle to go over.

I have also learned that the zip tie method works really well for holding the ends down. Im currently experimenting with with using a poly peel type material which may make the process even more stream lined but time will tell.

They're somewhat labor intensive to construct. This means that a commercial offering could run you a lot more money that most would be willing to spend.

I think JP Timberlake has some for sale. No idea on the price, however.

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

Here are some options.
Used them exclusively for many years before Mr. Kirkman turned me onto making my own, and depending on what I want to accomplish, still use them.
Use the tubing for solid and Tennessee handles and the Tapered Fore Grips to make slip grips

[www.batsonenterprises.com]

John Gaylord Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm lazy! It sure would be great if somebody would
> manufacture and sell stock sizes and shapes of
> carbon fiber grips.


John -

We've been offered premade carbon grips for some time now. We don't actively advertise them as we stay pretty busy with building them for the guys who have inquired about our services. Feel free to contact us for details regarding our offerings.

We believe we offer the best carbon grips available for sale. Shapes are very consistent and do not yellow (which in solid black get a green tint) nearly as fast as others available on the market. Here are some sample photos:

[photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net]
[www.rodbuilding.org]
[www.rodbuilding.org]


Alex

Hydra Fishing, LLC

Online: [www.hydrafishing.com]
Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Email: info@hydrafishing.com