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Author Topic: Cork handle shaping?  (Read 1711 times)

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Offline upstatenybowyer

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Cork handle shaping?
« on: February 21, 2017, 07:44:21 pm »
Hi guys. I'm doing a cork handle build up on a bendy handle bow and I'm lookin' for some pointers. Mostly on what tool I should use to shape the cork. Should I soak it something first to aid in the shaping? Seems like it might come apart if I just go right at it with a file. Thanks!
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"Even as the archer loves the arrow that flies, so too he loves the bow that remains constant in his hands."

Nigerian Proverb

Offline cadet

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2017, 07:48:00 pm »
Coarse sandpaper with a flat, hard backing would cut through cork fairly cleanly and swiftly?
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Offline tattoo dave

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2017, 08:03:45 pm »
The last bow I made had a cork handle built up on it. I did the rough shaping with a razor, then filed it to the end shape. Just glued it in between each layer.

Tattoo Dave
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Rockford, MI

Offline DC

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2017, 08:06:56 pm »
I have a bunch of sanding sticks in various grits. They work great on cork.
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Offline upstatenybowyer

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2017, 08:37:43 pm »
Okay gents. Thanks a bunch!
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"Even as the archer loves the arrow that flies, so too he loves the bow that remains constant in his hands."

Nigerian Proverb

Offline loon

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2017, 08:57:14 pm »
how about a rasp for coarse?
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Offline aaron

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2017, 09:23:27 pm »
I use a utility knife blade and carving chisels
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Ilwaco, Washington, USA
"Good wood makes great bows, but bad wood makes great bowyers"

Offline chamookman

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2017, 03:54:08 am »
I used a Nicholson Mill Bastard file lightly to shape the Cork handle on a Yew Bow I did a while back. I had layered the Grip with 1/8" Cork pieces gluing with TB ll and then heavily coating the whole thing once installed on the Bow. Sanded just like Wood - Bob.
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"May the Gods give Us the strength to draw the string to the cheek, the arrow to the barb and loose the flying shaft, so long as life may last." Saxon Pope - 1923.

Offline bubby

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2017, 08:29:48 am »
I started to use my 1×30 belt sander with a course belt, shapes it nice and smooth and no chunks are lost
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Offline rps3

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2017, 08:46:05 am »
I do the majority of my cork handle shaping using a 10 inch serrated knife, I hold the tip and handle for control and cut both toward and away form me. It works like a charm and you don't have to worry about ripping out chunks of cork. I then switch to a file, but not much left to do after the knife.
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Offline Stixnstones

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2017, 09:31:34 am »
I use 1/8 strips of cork and soak each layet with super glue... seems to work great. Picked that tidbit up last year from Pearl Drums and Paulsemp
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DevilsBeachSelfbows

Offline wizardgoat

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Re: Cork handle shaping?
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2017, 02:32:22 pm »
I use a fine rasp, only rasp downwards towards the bow, not up, or you'll rip up chunks.
I protect the back of the bow, so I don't accidentally nick it. Tape, or just my thumb
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