Wood turning is quite enjoyable, and the positive impact it has on the quality of my custom rods is invaluable.  I can turn almost any wood, procured either by me or if you have your own wood I can use it, provided it has sufficient hardness.  The Janka hardness scale should be consulted for determining whether a wood is hard enough to use as a reel seat.  I often get wood from friends and customers, but try to buy from reliable vendors such as Bell Forest Products.  Shown to the left are some of the wood inserts I have turned and are in stock, including (left column) Amboyna Burl, Osage Orange, Maple Burl, Cocobolo, (right column) Spalted Maple, Birdseye Maple, Gunstock Walnut and Bocote.

 

In addition to reel seat inserts, I can also create custom shaped cork grips.  In order to get the shape you like, it is simple enough to trace an existing grip or draw out your shape to have it come to life on the lathe.

 

I employ a Taig Micro-Lathe for my wood and cork turning, shown to the left.