Looking for help. I build on handle kits from time to time instead of rings. Is there a company out there that can make a drill bit with the same taper as the blanks I use?

Thanks Keith




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2005 05:17PM by Tom Kirkman.

KEITH, i have a set of three different sizes of rattail files. i use these as a start, reeming slightly under size. cut the tangs off and chuck them in a drill and turn them backwards (counter clockwise) they will do a nice job. i then follow with some reamers i bought from anglers workshop. i think they were called razor wands. they are three different size graphit rod sections with some kind of abraisive glued on. i use these to hand finish the hole. there are so many rod tapers that all you can expect is close. if i did not get them at anglers workshop i may have bought them at mudhole. it has been a while. hope this helps.

You do not have to match the taper of the blank perfectly when reaming out the cork. The best setup that I have seen is using the Flexcoat abrasive strip and gluing it onto a rod blank. Custom Tackle I think now has a kit using the abrasive to make reamers.

Golden Witch also has a set of 3 rat tail files that will cover just about any rod butt size. Follow Larry's directions and reaming is an easy task. The rat tail files will not leave any grit in the grip which could possibly scratch the blank.

The majority of the sticks I build are on Diamondback musky blanks with 1 1/2 inch cork. I build about 200 a year and I was looking at a way to simplify my process.

Thanks for the help Keith

If you are needing a certain size cork reamer we and Neal's Fishing Products will make them up for you? Just let Neal know what Outside diameter you are wanting and Neal will get it as close to the size you are needing.



Neal's Fishing Products

That sounds like a really good deal.

My favorite cork reamer used FlexCoat tape and an old golf club bought at a thrift shop for $1.00. I cut off the head and cleaned-up the handle area. Also. a short tapered segment of fiberglass rod tip was glued into the small end of golf shaff - dropped thru from inside the shaft. Works very well & covers a wide range of taper requirements. Stan