I am trying to learn how to turn grips down to specific shapes. I use a Flex Coat lathe with foam core. I made some templates of various grip proflies and measurements and I have various grits of sandpaper to shape the grip. As this is all a hand process, I'm not sure how to make two grips exactly the same. Unfortunately, I don't have a CNC lathe! I'm wondering what others do the ensure their grips are all the same - shape, dimensions.

Dale Thompson
Small-time fly rod builder

I just turn them by eye, but if you want to get more precise take a grip you like the shape of and measure its diameter along its length at a number of spots. Maybe every inch or so. These data will allow you to duplicate it quite closely.

We talking fly grips - i.e. full wells, etc?
Herb

The templates I made show the diameters at various point along the length. I also quickly discovered that it's best to start with a fairly fine grit, say 180, and have patience checking often against the template
Yeah, Herb, fly rods. I'm working on a torpedo shape with the thicker part a bit towards to rear and probably a very slight well at the front.

Dale Thompson
Small-time fly rod builder

Other than using a duplicator, you are going to have to develop hand turning skills. It seems formidable at the outset, but with practice you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. I can knock out reverse half-wells grips, in exact measurements (to 1/2 milimetter or less) in less than 2 minutes each. No template needed.

Buy a bunch of cheap cork or make up a bunch of foam cores and practice. Practice is the price you pay for compentency. There is no shortcut.

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Dale,
I make, and use, sandpaper backing "blocks" of various radiuses - or radii if you prefer.
Go to a good plumbing supply house.
Buy the end fittings with the largest diameters you can find - 8", 9", 10"
Cut "rings" of 3" wide.
Cut these rings in half - creating shapes like cresent moons.

Use these backing blocks to form your wells.
You will still need to do it by eye. But the curved blocks makes it easier to obtain unifomity.
Herb
CTS

[www.youtube.com]

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Thanks, Tom
Herb, excellent Idea.

Dale,
If you unhide your email - or send me your email - I will send you a picture of the PVC backing blocks.
Herb

Dale,
Create a duplicator of your grip design.

Just make a template out of 1/8th inch plywood or equivalent.

Effectively, you will simply create a shadow template out of the 1/8inch stock.

So, the idea is ; that when finished with your template, you should be able to lay your template on your grip while it is still in the lathe to determine where you need to sand or shape next - to accommodate an exact match for the new grip that is being turned to match the first grip.

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Several vides to create a duplicator to replicate identical parts on a lathe:

[www.youtube.com]

Herb, can you send me your pictures as well? Alan Mock ([email protected])