Birch Bark Rod Handle

[Dana Fish]

Just wanted to share one of my recent projects. Here is a Birch bark handle with Rosewood burl trim pieces.
The handle measures 6.75 inches and is finished with 6 coats of Linseed oil and CA.

I appreciate your comments.

Cheers

 

[bobjackson]

Nice. Great job.

 

[LEAP]

Looking good Dana! cant wait to see it in person.

 

[firewhatfire]

I like it, makes remember that I have 6-7 bamboo rods to refinish or sell. Gotta get started on those soon.

Phil

 

[pyurgal]

Very nice. That reminds me that I need to build my 5wt 11'6" switch rod still.

Paul

 

[PaulDoug]

HOLLY COW!!! and WOW!

 

[greggas]

Wow, very cool. Not to sound stupid ( I now too late) but is that birch bark stack laminated? What type of glue did you use...very interesting, thanks for sharing

 

[Dana Fish]

The birch bark was striped of from fallen trees I had behind my parents house and after a thorough rinsing with the garden hose I set them out to dry. I recommend pressing them flat as they dry to keep them easier to work with in the future.

I used Titebond 3 in between each sliver of birch bark and them pressed with a wood clamp. When finishing the handle I used several coats of Linseed oil before applying 6 layers of thick CA. Sanded with 320 up to 1500 wet.

 

[Katsin]

Beautiful.

 

[Dana Fish]

Here are a few pictures from my learning expereince with cutting birch bark. Now I simply cut them square, glue and then turn on the lathe.

Thought I would share for those interested.

FLAT SHEET OF BIRCH

BIRCH RING CUT OUT

RINGS AND 1.5" HOLE CUTTER

A SINGLE BIRCH RING

In my expereince with making these handles it take between 65-80 rings to make a 6.5-7 inch fly rod handle.

Hope you enjoy

 

[PaulDoug]

I had that experience with leather for pens. Easier to cut squares on the band saw and turn them after gluing than cutting circles or in my case punching out circles. I really like the look you have there and thanks for sharing. If I had the bark I'd try it for a pen and I also think it would make a beautiful little box.

Darn, I had a bunch of that bark and burned it because I didn't know what to do with it. I am just in awe of what you did.

 

[Curtis]

i thought tat was rattan till i looked at the end of the thread. i really like it, its very nice i wish i had some of those trees around my house. this is a rattan grip i did for a 6-7wt fly rod i did about 2 years ago. the picts were taken befor the finish was put on

 

[firewhatfire]

Love it