Working on my first rod and am at the stage where I've filed down the guide feet to create a nice ramp for the thread. After filing, I used some fine emory cloth to polish them. Although better looking, I am wondering if there is a better way, or another step, that will remove the fine scratches that still remain. Should they appear under the thread wraps and finish, I'd like them to look truly "finished".

Any suggestions to create a nicer look?

Thanks!

Ralph
I think what you are doing would be considered "over kill" your wraps will be covering any scratches.
make them any smoother the guide might slip out :)

Dave von Doehren
PRRODS......If man built it , man can fix it.and if man built it man can break it !

Yah, your totally fine with what you've done. In general I've use the "fingernail" test (suggested on this site) to find out if the edges of the guide are too rough. If the edges don't dig into your finger nail when you rub lightly against it, then it won't damage the blank. Any further polishing is totally unnecessary as your thread wraps should provide a nice even cover to the guide foot. If the foot does show through, I would say that the bigger flaw would be the gap, not the guide foot! :)

-- Cheers
-- James

Sounds like you are good to go.
After filing I sand mine with 320 sand paper.
Then just feel with my finger to see if they are smooth. Don't forget the underneath where the guides lays on the blank.

You didn't say, but if you have black or dark guide feet and are not using CP, you might want to "paint" the foot with a black Sharpie marker to keep the shiny part from showing through.

Mike

I use a Dremel with diamond wheel to taper guide feet & run the bottom of guide over a chainsaw file - don't see the need to polish. Check the bottom with a fingernail or Q Tip and coat the topside ground-down area with a Vampire Black fingernail polish. Seems to work so far. Stan

I got it. I quess my "analness" was coming through in my quest for a great looking "first rod". Thanks for reigning me back in a little.

Thanks, guys!

No matter what, that first rod will be just great! Don't get hung up on the cosmetics, as there will always be things you won't get right! But learn from it and enjoy the stick you've made. I can guarentee that the sloppy finish, poorly spaced guides, and crappy cork doesn't take away from my enjoyment of using my first rod that I made :)