I have been playing around with checkerboard handles. I am looking to figure out how other people are doing it. I tried using the cork jig that cuts cork into eight pieces. I cut the eva into approximately 1" size. Cut each piece into eight then re-glued the1" pieces into a checkerboard. Then glued each 1" piece together to make an 8" handle. That didn't work. When I cut the eva, I was noticing that every little piece had different sizes. With that jig it's hard to get all eight pieces the same. So when it came time to glue the handle completely the grip looked like @#$%&, which is what I expected. Lines didn't match etc.
It seems that this method is reverse of what needs to be done.
I think the best way is to try to cut the eva the length wise into eight strips. Glue up the strips then cut the individual pieces across the grip to offset the checker board. How do you make the cuts length wise down the grip? How do you cut a round cylinder down the length and keep it centered and accurate? How do you cut it into eight? Is this thinking on the right track? What are people doing?
Rob

Boston, MA

Rob, go to the Rod Builder's Library on the internet. Ray Adams has accumulated a wealth of rod building tutorials and info that you can check out. I have a tutorial in there on 'Foam Checker Rings'. Should help you a lot. They are sharp looking and not real hard to do once you have the method down.

Steve, Thanks for the site. I looked at your tutorial, it's good. The problem I am having is not making small trim checkerboard rings. It's a complete checkerboard handle out of eva. An 8" checkerboard handle is what I was trying.
Rob

Boston, MA

I have seen one on the photo page in Eva First place to start is talk to Billy V and the Nerds

Bill - willierods.com

Rob-

I have about 4 different jigs. The idea is to cut the eva all the same size to fit the jigs. If you are using round eva, the outside diameter is not consistently the same, and can give you a problem, too. I have had no problems making checkerboard grips with any of my jigs. I have an eva cutting tool in Rodmaker that you can make if you want.

-Bill

Take a look here = [northeastrodbuilders.com]

What I have done with cork is make a cut -- but -- only go maybe half way though. Then making sure that the cut lines up with the gig make another and so no.
Then take the ring out and finish the cuts

Bill - willierods.com