I am new to this forum, but been building rods since about 1975. I build them as gifts mostly, but our TU chapter here in Omaha has just started a chapter of Project Healing Waters, and I am designing a rod for that group. I would like to build the handle from cottonwood bark and highlight it with burnt cork and colored trim rings of the Healing Waters colors. I have tried using the same material used for knife handles, but that is very difficult to machine on my little pen lathe, I also run the problem of unequal sanding of the softer/harder materials. Of course that can be worked around just by using flats to sand with.

So my question to everyone is, what would you recommed I use for trim bands on my handle.

Any and all ideas welcome and appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

John

John, I purchase plexiglass sheets from Delvies Plastics in Utah. They sell them in a variety of colors. I use a hole cutter to cut out circles. Using my small drill press I also get a center hole while cutting the circles. I glue these onto the grip (I use wood and cork for my grips). I use a sanding block to keep the surfaces even. I sand down to 800 grit and then use the finest grade of steel wool (5X) and remove any dust with microfiber tack cloths. When finished, I use a soft buffing wheel to build up a gloss. I often finish my grips with tru-oil or Permagloss to bring out the contrast. Good luck with your project. I also use a midi lathe from Penn State Industries for my lathe which is just bit larger than a pen lathe.

Mike Blomme

Michael Blomme Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> John, I purchase plexiglass sheets from Delvies
> Plastics in Utah. They sell them in a variety of
> colors. I use a hole cutter to cut out circles.
> Using my small drill press I also get a center
> hole while cutting the circles. I glue these onto
> the grip (I use wood and cork for my grips). I
> use a sanding block to keep the surfaces even. I
> sand down to 800 grit and then use the finest
> grade of steel wool (5X) and remove any dust with
> microfiber tack cloths. When finished, I use a
> soft buffing wheel to build up a gloss. I often
> finish my grips with tru-oil or Permagloss to
> bring out the contrast. Good luck with your
> project. I also use a midi lathe from Penn State
> Industries for my lathe which is just bit larger
> than a pen lathe.
>
> Mike Blomme


Make,

Many thanks. I just looked at Delvies site, what type sheet do you purchase? The have a pretty extensive selection.

Again thanks

John Wright

John I use the Cast Acrylic Plexiglass in 1/16" and 1/8" thicknesses. I use the 1/16" for the accent on my thread wraps. For example if I use Red/black two color classic thread, I will use 1/8" red and 1/16" black for the trim rings.

Mike Blomme.

I recall seeing an article where the Author was using plastic poker chips. I think it's in the Library.

Any type of plastics will work Just wash both sides and sand with 220 - 320 to get a good bond

Bill - willierods.com