Hey folks,

Need some help. I have been using the cork jigs from Mudhole and have been having some issues. First, inconsistent slices and cuts. I use the recommended jewelry saw that fits the grooves but it wanders a bit. I end up sanding them on the table top to eventually level them as best I can. Second, on the slicing jig mainly, I’ve begun to get heavy scratches and even small grooves cutting right into the metal. I’m a little frustrated. I love making the custom handles but how do you stop these issues from occurring? Can you relevel the top or grind it down flat again somehow? These aren’t cheap and I’d like to make them work. Also, is there easier ways to cut consistent slices? Do I need different blades? These are so fine toothed and take forever to cut especially if there is any rubber in the ring. You guys are always so helpful! Any feedback would be awesome.

Chuck

RodMaker Magazine had an article on this very subject recently.With a few modifications you can greatly improve the jigs accuracy. That back issue will be online within another week or so. William Marchisella wrote it and has done quite a bit of work regarding cork and EVA cutting jigs.

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Hello All.

I have William writing in vol 21 issue 5 page 12 "Barber Pole Grips", vol 21 issue 5 page 18 "EVA Cutting Jig", and vol 22 issue 6 page 14 "Diamond Cutting Jig Improvements".

Is that all of them Tom?

Hope it helps, thanks.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Chuck,
Not sure if this will help but look at Japanese style saws. This is what I use for precise cuts for grips.
Lance

The jewelers saw is part of the problem! The blade being a thin wire will wander. I found a great saw with a blade thin enough to fit the jig slots and with a stiff backbone so that it does not wander.

It is a "Gyros brass back razor saw". Model 83-16008 available at Amazon [www.amazon.com]

Another upside is "no more broken blades!"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2020 11:36AM by Phil Erickson.

Chuck,
Another thing you can do to avoid cutting into the jig, is to inset the jig into a base material of some sort so that the lower part of the jig, up to the bottom of the slot is embedded into the resting material. That way, when you get to the bottom of the slot, you begin to saw the base, rather than the jig.

The stiffed back razor saw is also the ticket for more consistent slicing.

Best wishes

Chuck, It sounds like you're having a problem with the jig that cuts slices to make trim rings. I don't use that jig. I use my eva cutting jig that was featured in Rodmaker magazine. It gives me straight and smooth cuts. There is another saw that might help you get a straighter cut. It's the Zona Universal saw #35=500. It;s a little thicker..How I solve the problem of cutting into the jig is, I stop before the cut is completed and pop it out of the jig and finish it with a utility knife. This prevents cutting into the jig.

Thanks for all the answers! I literally spent 2 hours the other day trying to wet sand the groove marks out of my jig! Got most of it out but still frustrated on the scaring. I do get Rodmaker Mag and did read the great article on setting up the jig in the article but I was many concerned with the “slicing” jig. Thanks for the info on the saws mentioned above! My only concern is that they will fit the grooves in the Mudhole jigs? If so, I’m all in!!

Chuck

Chuck, If you are still having trouble with the slicing jig after using a different saw, maybe you should try to make my eva cutting jig for slicing eva or cork.The Rodmake has an article on this tool . In that article it shows the tool attached to a Renzetti lathe, but with a little ingenuity it can be made to adapt to any lathe. You will not regret making this tool.

Bill

Hey Bill

Is there a way to look back at these older issues to find your jig or the ones that were listed in the above post? I found the excel doc listing of articles and there are SO MANY I’d like to read! I’m pretty handy and made my own cork lathe, cork clamps and multi-thread wrapper so I’m sure I could figure something out.

Chuck

Most issues are still available for sale on the back issue page: [www.rodmakermagazine.com]

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Chuck, You might want to take a look in the photo gallery. There are a few photos of my eva cutting jig that may give you some ideas where too start. If you need help, please feel free to contact me via email at billsreelworld@aol.com.