Cork Ring Glue Up by Jeffrey Shafer

The method that follows allows me to use a mandrel and a hand clamp to bond cork

rings for handle production. This method is used by numerous rod builders, and has

the advantage of allowing me to clamp glued rings, and then remove the mandrel

before the glue begins to set up. I can quickly remove, clean, and dry my mandrel

to avoid having the rings bond to the mandrel - and avoid rust forming on the steel

mandrel. An added advantage is that with multiple hand clamps I can glue more

than one set of rings using a single mandrel.

Required Materials:

Figure 1 - Cork Rings, Washers slightly larger than the cork ring outside diameter,

Mandrel or Steel Rod to match the inside diameter of the cork rings, Hand Clamp

modified for this process, Vise Grip or Pliers, Adhesive of your choice.

Figure 2 - Far end of hand clamp drilled completely through so mandrel can pass

through. The size of the hole should be just larger than your mandrel.

Figure 3 - Butt end of hand clamp has a shallow hole drilled to hold the bottom of

the mandrel. An alternative is to drill entirely through the butt end of the clamp - I’ll

explain why later.

Figure 4 - Mandrel installed in the hand clamp to demonstrate its use.

Ring Bonding Process:

When I bond cork rings I like to apply adhesive to both surfaces to be bonded. I

apply the adhesive then scrape off most of what I applied before sliding onto the

mandrel. Because I’m applying a very thin coating of adhesive to both surfaces, the

bond is secure without creating a visible glue line when the grip is turned on the

lathe. Repeat that process with remaining rings and remember to leave the “end

rings” free of adhesive on the outside.

A variety of adhesives are used to bond cork rings, including TiteBond III and Rod

Bond. If colored foam materials are used as accent or trim pieces, Contact Cement

is usually recommended for use between the cork and foam pieces. Make sure you

understand the properties of whatever adhesives you’re working with and follow the

instructions on the packaging.

Figure 5 - Rings Glued and installed on the Mandrel, large washers on each end to

protect the end rings from the clamp and help with even clamping pressure

throughout. Apply enough pressure to create a good bond, but avoid over-

compressing the rings.

Figure 6 - Glue has not begun to set - Vise Grip attached to end of mandrel.

Figure 7 - Slowly rotate and withdraw the mandrel from the cork rings. As you

withdraw the mandrel, observe the individual rings to ensure none has slid out of

position. As I noted above, I am considering drilling through both ends of the clamp.

This will allow me to view the hole through the bonded rings to be sure they’re still

properly aligned.

Figure 8 - Mandrel completely withdrawn from cork rings.

Words of caution:

After removing the mandrel from the glued rings, hang in a safe place where rings

will not be bumped out of position. Other Considerations:

The method described above utilizes a level steel rod or mandrel to create a centered

hole through the bonded cork rings. Another consideration is to drill larger holes

through the ends of the hand clamp so that a tapered piece of rod blank can be used

instead of the steel rod. This method would allow the rod builder to ream each

individual ring so that a tapered hole runs through the glued pre-handle. Very little

additional reaming would be needed after gluing the rings, but you will need to

create a taper on the mandrel, possibly with tape wraps, prior to mounting the

mandrel and pre-grip on the lathe for turning to shape.