Rattan Question

[Ivan]

I was looking a using rattan on the grip of one the rods I'm building it looks pretty straight forward but having not used this material before I would like some input before I order and try to install it on my cork.

Can any rattan be used?
size?
How do you start and finish the wrap?
What type of finish should I use (Do you have to use that marine stuff)?
And the thread thingy in between wraps?

Any input would be appreciated!

Guthooked! got your ears on?

[GUTHOOKED]

I've only done a handful of rattan grips, so I'm sure there are probably better methods than mine, but I'll tell you what I can. It would be nice if Bill Oyster would stumble through and weigh in on this one. He makes some of the prettiest rattan grips that I've seen, and I'd love to hear how he does them.

You out there Bill? :)

I would imagine that you could use most any rattan, as long as the width and thickness are acceptable. I got mine from Golden Witch. Its cheap and very good quality as far as I can tell. The main thing I would look for is long pieces that are pretty uniform in width and thickness. http://www.goldenwitch.com/index.php?MenuLevel1=Rodmaking&MenuLevel2=Components&MenuLevel3=Rattan%20Strips

If you wrap the entire grip, the ends of the strips can sometimes be tucked under the reel seat and winding check. I usually leave an inch or two of cork or wood exposed on each end, so I'll tuck the thread back under itself. You can do this by shaving the end of the strip down to a long thin point, then starting the wrap just like you would a thread wrap. Also, it helps me to coat the area to be wrapped in a VERY htin layer of epoxy. You can put masking tape over the ends of the wraps to hold everything in place until the epoxy dries.

There is one problem that I'm still trying to work out. Most of the time, your strips will be a bit too short to cover the whole grip, so you have to splice in a second one in some way. I haven't found a really clean way to do this yet. The last one I did turned out the best so far, but still isn't perfect. I tapered the end of the first strip from bottom to top, then the beginning of the second strip from top to bottom. Tuck the second strip under the first so that the tapers fit together and the strips lay flat, then glue and tape. I'm not sure if that's very clear, but its about the best I can explain it in type. Let me know if this doesn't make sense, and I'll try again. ;)

The thread wrap is the easiest part. Just start a wrap on one end of the rattan, just as you would on a guide wrap. Make 5 or 6 wraps at the end, then wrap between the rattan wraps to the other end. Tie it off under another 5 or 6 wraps, just like on a guide wrap. Now you're ready to apply the finish. I've been using spar urethane to finish mine, and so far its worked well. Just apply two or three coats with a brush, giving it about a day to dry between coats.

[fishnpreacher]

Danny, what brand spar are you using?

[GUTHOOKED]

I think it was Minwax, but I'm not sure - just whatever was laying around the house. I'll check on that and get back with you.

[oyster]

Ok lets see, how can I be vague without sounding like I'm hiding something?(-; Regarding varnish, the Minwax Gloss Spar Urethane is good stuff and available just about everywhere. The important thing is that it be "exterior" grade to resist ultraviolet degradation. The Demarest Company in New Jersey is a good source for "fine fine chair cane". Traditionally silk thread (try Golden Witch) is wound between the wraps to reinforce them. Good luck and feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any more questions.

Bill
www.oysterbamboo.com

[Ivan]

I feel you Bill. Thanks for sharing.

Ivan