Laminate knob for Broadway Dom

[STRIPER LOU]

Broadway placed an order for 3 Knobs. 2 Tbars and 1 round. He also wanted to try some specific colored materials he had found online. He told me it was a cheaper alternative, possibly something I could use and wanted these particular colors to match his reels. I'm always looking for good material at a cheaper price and was happy to give it a whirl!!!!  Maybe a little skeptical though as a lot of this stuff can be imported and difficult to work with.
When I received the 2 pcs the first thing I noticed is they are laminated. Four 3/8" slabs make a 1 1/2" square x 5" block.

I have some experience with laminates as I have made some of my own. Turning them on a lathe requires slower feeds and speeds as not to generate heat and compromise the gluing process. It can also be a bit cranky when milling and drilling as respect to the cutter angle related to the laminations. This particular company also offers the same Acrylic that I'm using at $62.00/ft. The laminated material requires extra machining so the savings are not tremendous but it is somewhat better.

Although not a true Acrylic, more of a hybrid, the colors are very nice and in performing the crash test it looks to be pretty strong. Nice stuff overall. It can definitely be an alternative or an addition. I'm going to play with it some more. I'm always looking for leads on materials so if anyone see's something of interest I'm willing to give it a go.

He's the first one for Dom and Its going on his silver reel with red spool. I had to settle for a red one as that's what I had next in line. I like it! Its different and unique. Dom said it was OK to post. I'm also working on a green/purple for him and will post when completed.

Its set up on Tom's  4/0 plates on a narrow tib frame with Adams offset handle and Star drilled here in the shop. We went with the flanged shaft again for the additional strength. Always happy to hear comments and criticism's. We scaled the size up a bit for the big guy and it should fit his paw just fine. Thanks Dom!
All have a great evening,  ..  Lou

[Tightlines667]

I wasn't aware it was even possible to mill laminated acrylics.  The final product there proves it can be done with great sucess, in the hands of a skilled individual.

[RiverAngler]

It looks great, Lou. It is something different.

[mo65]

Very nice!

[hurt locker]

Catches your eye!!!!  Great Handle!!!

[Dominick]

Holy Coka Cola...Dominick

[Superhook]

That could be stolen quite quickly ....if I wasn't so far away.

[Bill B]

WOW !!!!!!

[Cortez_Conversions]

Very cool Lou!

[CapeFish]

That is absolutely brilliant!

[Tiddlerbasher]

Very nice Lou

[Alto Mare]

Lou,  looks like you could turn anything. That looks very nice.

Sal

[broadway]

Hey Crew,
   When I bought the acrylic I really didn't know it was a laminate, but Lou said he would play with it a bit before he turned my handles.  He has once again outdone himself on this work of art we call a handle grasp machining it to the tightest tolerances and that high gloss finish.  Pretty sure Lou could turn a microphone into a Q-tip on his machines. I wanted to match my CC plates, tib frame, and spool with the handle... not just have the handle match the plates.  I feel this acrylic does the job with flying colors and boy, did Lou make those colors pop with that high gloss finish.  I'm thoroughly impressed by not only Lou's work, but his amazing communication skills.  He wants you to get the best product he can make custom for YOU not for what has worked for him in the past or just a generic size and shape.  Thanks for your attention to detail and willingness to make the best product you can for your customers.
Can't wait to see Kim's next...
Stay fishy,
Dom

[STRIPER LOU]

Dom, thank you so much for the kind words. It's truly appreciated. That's the beauty part of this as it can be made to fit your needs.

I'm always pleased when someone is happy with my work. Its the best reward.

Thanks again,  ..  Lou

[Lunker Larry]

Hell, I'm happy with your work and it's not even mine 
That just lights that reel up. Beautiful