I bought a couple sticks of this EVA and I'm going to turn it tomorow. I notice it's a very bland pattern from the factory and has to be turned with some kind of irregularities to produce a pattern. I plan on making the grip into a concave shape for a 14" rear grip. Any tips you all have on how to get a nice pattern would be appreciated. Thank you all in advance.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/11/2022 07:00PM by Tyler Reinert.

The "pattern" will be sort of built in to the grip. What is your priority? A certain grain pattern or a certain shape? I would think it'd be the latter, which means that the pattern will be whatever it will be once that particular shape is attained.

The only other way to obtain a different pattern would be to bore the block or cylinder off-center and turn from there. But is the stock is already bored that won't be possible.

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Thank you Tom. Have you seen the EVA I have in person? it is just layered gray and black. Basically pinstripe. But the picture online is more of faux wood grain. It seems to me as you you break through the layers of color you create that pattern. I understand with 99% of colored and patterned EVA it is what it is and as you shape it you only change the shape. But with this style my understanding is that's how the pattern emerges. Please correct me if I'm wrong.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 10/11/2022 09:57PM by Tyler Reinert.

Yes you are correct, thus as I said the particular pattern you get will depend on the final shape of the grip. So the grip shape you desire may not necessarily yield the exact pattern you desire, or vice versa.

Otherwise, just turn it to the shape or taper you want and see if the pattern suits you.

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As long as your grip has some contour to it, either a taper or a curve, you will see a nice pattern. I agree, it's rather boring if you plan on using it for a straight grip.

Here is one of the first handles I turned, which happened to also use that material:

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Thank you guys as always. Going to go give it a try! If I'm not pleased with the pattern I have some black EVA to turn for my grips.

I like how your grips came out Joe. That's the look I'm hoping for.