I'm preparing to build a surf rod with cork tape handle but I have never used cork tape before. Could someone offer some "tips and tricks" on the application. Other rods that I have seen using this material wrap thread from the blank up onto the end of the tape I guess to keep the tape from coming off but the problem I forsee is making this a smooth transition from the blank up onto the tape. Is there some way to taper the edge of the tape so that there is no big "step up" onto the tape. Or is there another way to do this. I have also heard that getting bubbles in the finish over this wrap may be a problem.
Any help will be appreciated.

You need to sand/taper the edge with sandpaper or file so that your thread will "walk" up the hill. I use an emery board to do the job. Be careful not to gouge the blank when doing this.

I normally make a double wrap of thread on each junction. The cork tape will compress slightly so such a double wrap will not be at all bulky.

Bubbles do not seem to be any problem, or at least no more so than with any regular thread wrap.

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I have never had much success with Tom's approach so I do the following:
1) tightly tape the edge of the cork tape with 1/4" masking tape
2) trim the edge with a razor blade
3) add tape or epoxy on the blank up to the masking tape to form the desired taper.

If using tape for the taper, add it parrallel with the length so it helps form the taper.

I hope this helps.

Greg
[www.ReelsAndEels.com]

Greg's method is certainly just as viable as the one I use. Both accomplish the same thing and with some trial and error you can easily determine which works best for you. His method certainly saves any chance of scarring the blank with the edge of an emery board.

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Glenn,
Are you planning on using a fixed reel seat, a plate style, or no seat at all?
if you are going to use a standard fuji seat, merrick Tackle offers 2" mooseskin grips to use at the ends of the seat. Looks good and most people like the way they feel. Cuts down on the finish work instead of using a trim band.

Tom, have you tried these?

Bill O

I have not but see no reason why they wouldn't work well. Also brings to mind the use of heat shrink tubing in short lengths on the ends of the cork tape. Would serve the same purpose and not require any wrapping at all. Lots of ways to do this.

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I just built a spinning rod to use for bass fishing with cork tape, I used foam peices that i shaped by turning next to both ends of the reel seat,I used shrink tube over the top end next to the butt wrap, which flex coat actually stuck to quite well, making a nie transition to the thread wraps, I just did a chevron, and wrapped the bottom end in size "D", which lined up well with the tubing. on the buttend , I just have a double wrapped peice of tape covered by shrink tube with a soft rubber butt cap for now, but I am going to take that off and glue on one of those EVA butts that looks kind of like a lightbulb whenever UPS shows up with. The rod is really light, I didn't realize how heavy cork is!