Cork Handle extension - EVERGREEN

A heavy poundage rod with a short handle really will irk the angler when not able to control the rod when fighting a 'big' fish. Some prefer not to use it anymore and just put it aside as it is troublesome to get the butt extended.

Recently I have this butt extension project for a 8-20 pounder rod with a full cork handle.  Need to extend 3 1/2". 

This is the original condition and length of the rod.

One section of the cork ring have to be sacrificed in order to remove the butt cap. 

After the butt cap was removed, insertion of the extended blank are done.
Then the cork rings are stacked and glued to the blank.

After 24 hours, the cork handle was lathed carefully  so that the shape of the new cork handle matches the old handle. This will give a seamless joint between the old and new handle.

The holes are then patched before the handle is coated with the cork seal.
Last, to glue the butt cap back to position.

MHX Medium action spiral baitcasting rod

Another full cork rear handle rod in the making. Many prefers this kinda cork handle nowadays. I don't know why... maybe it's trending now. Why not EVA? Why cork? Is it better??  For all I know, it's still a very personal preference. Some love it and some don't...

Stacked cork ready to be latch..

Testing fitting the components before putting them together.

I have to make sure that all really fits well before epoxying them together.
Normal I will do this a few times , just to be sure.

These guides are from ALPS with zirconium rings. Had no problem with them for all the rods that I have built . Spiral guide placement.

 

EVA fore grip with MHX decal in the front.

Another closer look at the handle.

 

Overall view of the handle. Very simple.

 .....and finishing it off with a big M..............Matagi butt cap

North Fork Composite UL

2nd built for 2017... a simple second one to get the ball rolling. 
The blank is from NFC SM graded ultralight 2-6lb. K-guides partial savaged for a broken rod and a new Andrew's fishing reel seat.

Stacked and glued cork rings for rear handle.

 Carefully lathed to the shape of choice

Installation of rod decal and epoxy.

Gold anodized button plate butt.

Part old part new of the K-guides

Guides lined up

Completed rod with the cork grip sealed with U40 Cork Sealer.

Refurbishment the ROD OF STEEL

I must admit .. I tucked this at one corner for a year now , I guess.
Trying to look for the agate guides for replacement but could not find any.

The last resort would be putting up the steel guides as replacement. The cork handle have been fully replaced.

This is the rod of steel I was talking about.
The Heddon "Life-Pal" steel baitcasting rod was produced in the 30's era.

Refurbished rod with new guides and new cork grip to the handle.

I don't think the owner will use it.. :) but it's still a great piece antique for wall hung decoration.

Katana Series - The SILVER GHOST

Another 4 months project. Spent quite some time test fitting before the actual gluing took place.

The main ingredients:
 
Blank - North Fork (IM) 6'6" 12-25lb
Matagi components
 

Here are some of the photos taken during the test fitting.

The reel seat
 

The in-between..
 

The handle

 

 

 

Now the easier part.. the gluing of all components
Getting cork split grip and winding checks in place.

and now the reel seat ..
 

 

Then the cork grips are coated with U-40 Cork Seal.
 

and wrapping...
By the way, those are FUJI titanium SIC guides.

Epoxy..
 

.. and that's about it..

 

The JOHNSON "Profile" reinstatement

It was finished like that a week ago, but due some technical glinch, it had to be redo.

So, everything have to come off and rebuild.

All new cork grip right down to the reel seat.



The all new handle with cork sealant finish.

Refurbishing handle of a Vintage EAGLE CLAW

I am just showing the completed refurbished handle or rather completely newly built handle for the Eagle Claw fly rod.

The existing cork handle was really in bad shape...  the owner should know how bad was it.. LOL