M-D

What is the best way to remove small particles and such from my wraps before I apply the finish epoxy?

I was thinking masking tape but just wanted to see if there are other methods?

Today I made my first stab at making a cork grip from scratch. I used a piece of 1/4" steel rod for the mandrel and I waxed it before gluing up the rings with Titebond III.

I let the glue dry for 24+ hours in the clamp before I put it on the lathe to shape it up. I am truly amazed at how nice it sanded up and quite happy with the whole process until I went to take it off the mandrel. I think I did not have a good enough grip on the cork and it twisted too much causing 5 splits in the cork.

The finished grip, 10" long and going on a 7' SCIII for a dedicated Bass Jig fishing rod...

One of the splits, the worst one, just above my thumb nail...

Sure would appreciate your thoughts on how to prevent this in the future and if I need to do anything to the grip to address these splits before or while I am installing it on the blank. I was thinking I could just epoxy it on the blank and put it in the vise while the epoxy setup?

I REALLY enjoyed making this grip!