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By George J. Roth
1. This is
how the glued up handle would appear. The winding checks are in the
center of the split handle. The file shown is a 10" bastard file. I
use masking tape to protect the blank from accidental filing. I use
electrical tape at the base of the reel seat, and over the threads, as
it conforms better to the curves. The masking tape on the remainder of
the reel seat is to protect the central portion...just in case I get
carried away or I'm not paying attention to what is going on.
2. File the
rubberized cork butt cap first, as the regular cork will file much
easier. It is better to get the butt cap the dimension you desire, then
shape the remainder of the grip to fit.
3. File the
remainder of the cork, "across" the rings, until it is even and all the
glue is removed. The winding checks are placed against the cork to be
shaped, as a guide to indicate how much material to remove.
4. Once the handle has been shaped, run the rasp lightly
"around" the cork, to remove any irregularities that may have occurred.
5. Once you have shaped the butt cap with the
rasp, you are ready to sand the handle. I start with a sanding screen
to finish shaping. the handle. Work the screen back and forth 3-4
times, then rotate 1/8-1/4 turn. Repeat this process until you are
satisfied with the size and shape. I then progress with finer sand
paper and finish with 600 grit.
6. Once the cork is shaped and sized as you want
it, then shape the butt cap. Use about 2-3 strokes, then rotate to
avoid flat spots.
8. Sand the edges to round them off slightly.
This will give your handle a well finished appearance. There may be a
small ring of glue between the cork and reel seat, once you remove the
protective tape. This may be removed carefully with a razor blade.
8. Remove all the tape and clean with water
to remove the cork dust. Use denatured alcohol to remove the tape
adhesive. I use a 5-minute epoxy to apply the winding checks to
the cork. Mix a small batch and use a toothpick to apply it around
the base of the cork. Slide your winding checks into place and
wipe off any excess glue. You have just completed your split rear
grip handle!