What kind of dremel tool is best for this function and where can I get it. What I've tried so far does not make clean cut edges and is very hard to keep centered. I don't have a drill press, only a variable speed 1/4" hand drill.

I use the Dremel Router attachment with a straight bit. Makes it easy to set the depth of cut.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Lowe"s and Home Depot both sell the Dremel and attachments.

Dave:

If you are inletting the older style of pressed steel, non-symmetrical Struble fixed reel seat, then a Dremel will be a start. However, it is tough to do this type of inletting by eye. Take your time and throw out the idea that you can do it in one pass. Take a light cut and try the seat. Repeat as necessary.

Here is a tip you will need. When done and ready to glue the grip over the reel seat on the blank, get about 3 feet of 1/4-inch, thin-walled, rubber tubing. Wrap the tubing on from about an inch away from the end of the grip just up to the end of the grip and then back a bit. Secure the loose end and wipe off any excess adhesive. Let it set until the adhesive cures. You do not need much presure, but the rubber tubing pulls the cork into close contact with the outside of the reel seat and eliminates "mistakes". Again, the pressure needed is only enough to pull the grip into contact with the fixed reel seat.

If you are inletting the circular fixed reel seat ring from some newer Struble, Pac Bay, or Rainshadow reel seats, you can do it with the Dremel the first time. However, if you plan to do many, go to rutlandtool.com and look up aircraft counterbores. Check the size of the hole you need to cut and order the appropriate counterbore. You will need a pilot, so select what fits the bore on your grip/mandrel. Cost is between $26 and $30 for each of the various sized counterbores you might need. Add between $3 and $7 for a pilot and you are in business. I have three counterbores and three of the most used sizes of pilots to fit the mandrels I use. If I need another pilot, I'll get it.

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/2005 07:26PM by Doug Weber.

Rodblanks.com makes a cork grip inletting bit!!! It has a quarter inch alignment pin on its nose and you just insert and drill to the depth you want. Works PERFECT. It's not cheap but one bit will last a lifetime. Takes about 5 or 6 seconds to perfectly inlet your cork grip.

Thanks very much for the replies. Guess I neglected to mention that I'm only working with the symetrical hood. Thanks again.