Just a quick question... I build my own cork handles and have decided to incorporate a little color into some of them - primarily ice rods. I've been using the normal round cork jigs for years now and they seem to work just fine for cork handles but I'm having a dickens of a time getting nice cuts/slices with the EVA? I use the GYROS thin blade saw for my cork work but I saw a video once where a guy used some sort of string on a spinning mandrel to make cuts but I cant find the video anymore. Just wondering what you would recommend? Thanks in advance for your help!

Chuck

><))))">….><))))">….><))))">….Just Fish

Prior Lake Rod Building Guild
Instagram @pl_rod_building_guild

Spin up the EVA on your lathe, drill, etc. Grab a piece of braided fishing line (I've even used mono). DO NOT WRAP THE LINE AROUND YOUR FINGERS if you like having skin on your fingers. Holding one end of the line in each hand, press it down into the EVA and it will make a very smooth cut. You can cut the EVA thinner than you might expect. I've cut 1/8" down to 1/16" thick rings with no problem.

"D" sized wrapping thread cuts EVA like butter when spun up as mentioned above.

The best way to cut eva is with the Marchisella eva cutting tool. This tool can slice eva as thin as 1/32".The tool is very accurate and safe to use . There is an article in Rodmaker magazine volume 21 issue 5 will give you a better idea on how to make this tool. This tool is also capable of cutting cork the same way.

A fresh, straight out of the box razor blade is my go to when I have to cut EVA. You can hold the single sided razor or use a box cutter handle or, depending upon how thick the EVA is you're cutting, you can use a utility knife/razor. A fresh razor is like a hot knife going thru hot butter! Just keep your wits about you and don't "lean into it" and score the rod with the razor.

Tony Boschi
Banana River Rods
Merritt Island, Florida
321~525~1063

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