Tru-oil for cork sealer...what filler will it stick to best?

[Ben Fishin']

I saw a post recently that suggested tru-oil as a sealer. I have used it for gunstocks and guitars, and am kinda fond of it. However, I've seen a million different oppinions on types of filler to use for cork pitting and holes, and wonder what filler would be best to use under tru-oil. Any opinions from you rod-building gurus? Or, are there any comments about tru-oil for this purpose, and about the absolute best filler? Seems it would need to be flexible so as not to be worked out by fishin'. Thanks guys.


Modified by Ben Fishin' at 5:01 PM 9/12/2008

[ZX180MI]

I was wondering the same thing. I too have done up a couple of my guitars with Tru-oil. I liked the results. Another idea may be Tung Oil. Ive used it for guitars and its real nice too. Wouldn't either product fill the pores in the cork? The only thing I could see is possible cracking of the surface if there are too many coats on the handle....?? I know the tung oil will seep into the corks' nooks and crannys as its thinner than tru oil. It is a polymer and with a couple light coats should fill in small crevices. Interesting question..

[Bassn81]

I have never used tru-oil so I can't speak for it. I have filled pits w/ cork dust mixed w/ wood glue on a few grips and then sealed with U-40 cork seal. I am not a big fan of sealing grips, but it did work. If you are building the grips from rings I would encourage you to spend the extra money to but rings that have few to no pits, well worth it.

[Ben Fishin']

I'm not building, but I have recently bought 6 Powell rods, and with some pretty heavy use on a rainy weekend, the filler that was there came out in a few places. Seems 3 of the grips were good cork, but there was a bit cheaper cork on the other three. The rods are exceptional except for that. What I want is do a good job of filling and sealing so I don't have to get the grips replaced anytime soon. Have you had good results with the wood glue, dust, and U-40?

[Bassn81]

I got ya..... Most manufacturers use pretty cheap cork nowadays since the price of good cork has skyrocketed (must be tied in to oil ). They almost all use a filler of cork dust and wood glue to fill holes and put a thin coating on the grip. You should be OK using cork dust and wood glue to fill the holes, the U-40 should work as well to seal it. I have only used it a few times, but it seems to be holding up. If you need some scrap cork to make the cork dust with IM your address, I have a bunch lying around.