Custom Foam Inlay Grips

I recently attempted making custom foam inlay grips to go with my custom rods I build. The first one I tried (Pittsburgh Penguins logo) turned out pretty good. I posted about it on a Facebook rod building group and had several people reach out and ask for information on how I did it. So... I decided to make this video.
I'm still developing my techniques and skills on this so I won't even pretend to be an expert. Just putting this out there so that hoping it helps someone.
Link to Pixlr E image editing software (free) - pixlr.com/e/
Foam sheets are 2mm thick EVA Foam ordered off Amazon (there are a ton of options out there)
The "grip forms" are EVA foam cylinders I found a JoAnn's craft store. They are marketed for cosplay foam but it's the same foam as you would buy from a fishing supplier only these were only in black. But they were cheap enough to practice with.
Sandpaper for shaping was a belt sander with 80 grit for making quick work of removing large amounts of material and then 120 grit sheets on a sanding block for smoothing and fine tuning.

[@garyatwood9595]

Very nice

[@interloper10]

45° angles and precise cuts with the work knife... you have leveled up my friend. Lets Go Pens! H2P!

[@jasonv4946]

Great video...ar the inlays still holding strong? I was surprised to hear the super glue was holding the gaps of the inlay together. Where do you get your foam sheets and thin core?

[@reelguysfishing]

Yeah, still holding up although I can't say I've used and abused them too much yet. Believe it or not, I pick up most of it at craft stores. Cosplay is getting more popular and they use the EVA foam in their costumes. JoAnn's Fabric has multiple sizes of the round cores and if you can't find the sheet colors you want there or Hobby Lobby, you can but them off Amazon although they are relatively small. I'm still looking for good color selection in 5mm thickness. Generally I can only find black and white. I think 5mm would be the best option. the 2mm is so easy to sand through.

[@camanuch100]

Can you post a link for the sheets of EVA you use? Thanks

[@reelguysfishing]

Got them off Amazon a while back. Checked and that specific link says not available anymore but just search and you will find so many of them.

[@WILLIAM-i1h]

Were you using 2mm thick EVA or 3mm? Thanks!

[@reelguysfishing]

That was 2mm

[@WILLIAM-i1h]

@@reelguysfishing I just bought my cricut and having trouble getting it to cut from an image that I uploaded like you did. It wants to print to a printer first. Any tips on what I may be doing wrong? Thanks!

[@reelguysfishing]

@@WILLIAM-i1h So I do the color separation in just a basic image editing package and when you import each layer into the project do it as a cut image instead of a print image.

[@LeinadNosredna68]

Are you using the Circut Maker 3 or a different version of the Circut?

[@reelguysfishing]

It's the Maker 2 I believe. Got it a couple years ago for my daughter to use for modeling architecture projects because it would do the balsa. She ended up rarely using it but I do a fair amount of vinyl and now EVA. Recently started following another rod builder who uses a Cricuit for some of her stuff but she assembles it differently by hand cutting the EVA round to inlay the Cricuit cut pieces into it. I'm going to give that a try on my next one. I just can't get the seam as invisible as I would like with my technique.

[@LeinadNosredna68]

Thanks for the reply. I’ve had my eye on a Cricut but didn’t want to buy more than I need. I’m dying to do inlays and hand cutting has proved disappointing. I presume you’re talking about Mary’s vids. She isn’t afraid to go big or go home.

[@reelguysfishing]

@@LeinadNosredna68 Yep... That's her. She does some incredible stuff. I've always done function over style. Not that my stuff is boring, but I always built for a specific application and the fisherman's physical attributes and then throw a nice wrap on. Past coupe years I started looking at more "decorative" things. Working on one where I used gold and silver leaf over the whole rod and am going to start wrapping it soon.

[@creekercustomrods6115]

Thought I was only one who used the Cricut lolol

[@reelguysfishing]

I decided to give it a try. I use it for many other materials so figured why not. I mainly do rods for myself and some friends even though I've been doing it for 40 years. But if you have any tips and tricks for assembly of the EVA, feel free to share.

[@marcpfaff1947]

Which machine do I need

[@reelguysfishing]

@@marcpfaff1947 I use the Cricut Maker but the Air/Air2 should work the same. I would not go with the smaller format like the Joy just because I don't think it will give you enough room on the mat but functionally it should work too.

[@garyd985]

Next video you need TB as a guest !!!! How much for a C7 Corvette logo personalized rod? Need to keep video down to 15 minute limit don’t have that long attention span. Older person.

[@reelguysfishing]

If you want one let’s talk. I have a couple projects in the works but I can squeeze something in for you. You talking functional like you are actually going to come out with us and fish or you want a showpiece to hang over the fireplace? Yeah, I know this one was long. You should have seen it before I edited it down. Tried to keep it to mostly relevant information.