I just received a CFX carbon fly grip from Mudhole and it seems pretty nice. Very light and I actually like the unfinished textured feel.
They don't come pre-inletted for reel seat hood. When I put my reel seat hood ring up against the grip, it doesn't seem there's a snug fit because of the sleeve having been folded over the edges. I guess I could make sure to put some extra epoxy behind ring so when I push it towards grip it fills in crevices. Or, is it safe to sand it down? Or, can they be inletted with crafty-cutter?
Hoping someone may have some info.
Thank

Call Mudhole

Bill - willierods.com

Done that before. I usually get better advice here. Maybe not this time.

You will get great advice I just thought since they made it
Wait Some one I am sure has done it

Bill - willierods.com

I have inletted several using a dremel tool and it worked well. Centered a circle around the handle hole and used it as a guide. Started with small grinding stone and then went with a larger one till I got the seat to fit. Went slow and careful checking fit as l went along. I think the crafty-cutter should work, but I had no problems with the dremel tool. If you used a craty-cutter I think (for the first time at least) I would use one that is a size or two smaller than what you want and then enlarge the inlet to the desired size. Better too small than too large, this allows you to fix any slight mistake. I coated my grips with perma gloss as shown by Tom Kirkman on u-tube. They came out great, the perma-gloss gives a little more gloss than the flat matte finish but still has a good non slick feel. Very happy with them. I think mudhole might sell more of the cfx fly rod grips if they were pre-inletted.

On some CF grips I use a hole saw mounted on my mandrel as outlined by Mike Pederson at Riley Rods. I've also used the forstner bit technique that has been discussed on the forum in the past. Try doing a search for a lot of discussion on this topic, but here is a thread to get you started......

[rodbuilding.org]

Thanks. Sounds good.
I do prefer inletted grips. But, it's not a deal breaker when I really like the grip. But, it would be nice if the hood ring fit snug. I'm just thinking that dirt would get down inside the little crevices.
I'll try Mudhole too. I think I've seen one of the guys from CFX post on here too.
I'd like to just sand it down smooth. But, not sure if it could damage sleeve.

I always inlet them, using a Forstner bit, it takes a little practice to do it and I use a centering shaft I made for the purpose. A reel seat made to inlet looks funny not inleted!

I could be wrong, but I don't think the little blades on my Crafty Cutter would do well cutting the tougher graphite/epoxy skin. They could also hang up on the irregular surface you described where the tucks are.

I'd think a Flexcoat pilot bit undersized than dremel to your inlet diameter would be a decent low tech solution maybe,

Yeah. I don't think you could use a seat made to inlet with a non-inletted grip.
And Spencer, I was thinking that the cutter would have that exact problem you described. That's what worries me. I don't have a Dremmel or cutting bits right now. So, I think I'll try sanding and see how that goes.

There are seats that you do not really have to inlet if you find this to be a problem

Bill - willierods.com

I do have a seat that isn't made for inletting. It has a ring/hood that butts against grip.

I use spade bits and my lathe

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

I can grind the bits down whatever size I need.
I do all of my handles this way and works with almost any material including antler and bone

Just a thought but maybe you can block sand the end to level it and then clear it ??

Bill - willierods.com

That's what I'm thinking.

I normally use a dremmel to make a cutout. A sharp bit on a lathe should work well too. I have not tried the crafty cutter tool but think that it might work. Let me know if you try the crafty cutter, I am curious it ti works. Thanks.

We do not inlet them before shipping to Mud Hole to keep the costs as low as possible for rod builders.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2016 04:43PM by Chad N Wilson.

Chad

maybe you should

Bill - willierods.com

I would be willing to pay the extra.
I don't have a crafty cutter or any of the other tools needed to inlet the grips. And honestly don't want to invest in it. I'd pay for the convenience. I understand many won't.