I've used 1/16" craft foam as a thin accent between regular and burled cork on grips. I like the look of it, but don't like that it always seems to leave a slight ridge, rather than sanding down completely flush with the cork. Can someone suggest a method, or different material I can use to eliminate this?

Comments deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 04:36PM by John E Powell.

Your problem is the differences in density between the materials. The foam is moving or compressing away from the cutting/sanding tool and then springing back up to a height greater than the cork, which is being cut.

There will be some good combination of actually cutting versus sanding. Cutting is preferable as the foam will be sliced away rather than just compressing under a sanding force. However, at some point you'll still have to sand everything to get the finish you want. I try to stay with the cutting operation as long as possible and only sand to restore the surface. Don't try to use sandpaper as the mainstay of the actual shaping operation.

................

Rick,
With a slight "bump" in the foam above the cork line use a piece of bluejean denim to "buff" the foam until you get the desired (flush) shape.

Buzz

Cut a thin strip of sand paper approximately the same thickness as the foam and carefully touch it to the foam while spinning on your lathe. I have used this method for different densities of grip material with good results.

You can also do the same as Randy with a thin file carefully

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks for the helpful responses!
I think Tom described what is happening accurately...I will try the denim/file approach...much appreciated.

Comments deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 04:35PM by John E Powell.