im am 15 years old and im working on my first rod. im having alot of trouble with the forgrip. when i ream it out its never centered. i just got through ordering my 3rd one to practice on. any tips? also i have ordered some cork tape, i wasent sure what it really was but i thought it would work good underneath the real seat. can anyone explain what it really for, or if it will work for that purpose

Are you using a rattail file or a tapered reamer? If you use a file, it's important to rotate the file counter-clockwise when you getting started reaming the ID of the grip. I use a 5/16" rattail file. Once you can get the file all the way through the grip, you must continue to rotate the grip as you work the file. A tapered reamer, made from a scrap piece of blank and glued on emory cloth works better than a file.

I can't tell you anyting about cork tape because I've never used it.

Good luck and don't get discouraged, you'll get it.

Try counting a set number of passes with the reamer then rotating the grip a quarter turn. For example, make four passes with the reamer, turn the cork a quarter turn and repeat. you can mark the four different points in pencil on the end of the cork so that you know your turning it evenly. The key is even distribution of reaming. If the hole starts to get a square(but centered) shape, move to a bigger file or reamer to round it.

Kevin

I wish I had gotten started at 15. I'm envious. You've been given good information in the above replys. Best of luck. Jay

Don't use the reamer in a push/pull fashion. Get several reamer sizes and use them fitted in tight and in a twisting motion. That keeps the hole centered. Good luck!

I have yet to get one perfectly centered. It's not really that important. When reaming by hand, go slow once you get close. Look often at the hole. If you see it getting off center, ream the hole back center. I don't use winding checks. Just remember that cork will compress. Just make sure the hole in the fore grip is slightly small. Just another way to show you took time to do it right.
The cork tape is generally used to make handles on surf type rods. The tape is put directly onto the blank. The blanks are large enough a single layer of tape works.
Good luck on a life long passion...Kevin

Kenny , try laying the grip on a flat surface and hold it down lightly with your hand , rotate or "roll" while reaming . Make a couple of passes , and "roll" a little ,keeping the file or reamer on the bottom of the hole(twards the flat surface) , use light pressure on the file . This helps keep the hole concentric and a uniform diamater ...It works for me . Good luck, John

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