Hi all , I appreciate all the info on the forum - it gives me lots of ideas. Now to the subject - what are some methods for a smooth gradual transition of say 1 1/4 diameter grip to 1/2 inch diameter blank. I have looked at several pictures in the photo library but I am not sure what the method or materials used is. Looks like shrink tubing but I am not sure . I am open to suggestions and I look forward to any replies. Thanks to all - Stevereno

that type of rod is it what stringth line ? most grips are not 1 1/4 " it is most likey .8 to 1 inch just smoth it up an put a winding check on it look great an last a long time use a metal check [ I think ] an it is great , an that is just a start ,
PS some heavy surf rods can be larger grips

William Sidney
AK

Hi Steven,
You can reduce the diameter of a foregrip to whatever suits you. Eva, cork and foam grips can be turned down to whatever diameter suits. The addition of winding checks, foam or epoxy ramps that are coloured to suit the blank or grips can give you whatever is required. The choices are many and are only limited by your imagination. Think outside the box!!! Check out the photo pages to see what others have done.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Interesting that your fore grip is 1 1/4" at the end. Must be something other than cork, probably a composite grip?

Anyway, if you are stuck with that end dimension, I would probably use 3 cork rings and turn them into a ramp, then over wrap them with thread and coat with finish. You could also build up an epoxy ramp either with tinted paste epoxy, or untinted paste epoxy then over wrap. Smooth the epoxy with your finger, wet with alcohol. Sand and wrap after that. Lots of other ways as well so check out the photo pages.

Terry

Thanks all for the replies. I am going to attempt the dreaded stingray skin grip. It will be over eva. The reel seat end will be somewhat tucked in on an oversized reel seat that I will arbor. The reason for the abrupt end is the difficulty of stitching the material and making it look presentable. I will have one continuous seam on the under side that will be stitched in a cross pattern with black waxed leather lacing. I hope this will hide some of the inevitable damage to the "scales" on the hide. I have purchased a four hole stitching punch and I will make a template first out of leather of the same thickness. The ugly potential is the front end of the fore grip. I like the idea of building layers of epoxy and sanding to get the contour right. I am probably getting a little ambitious since this will only be rod # two that I have built. I just love the way the black hide with the white spot looks on a graphite grey blank. I can always undo it and go conventional if it doesn't turn out right. Thanks again all , regards -Stevereno