This is my second and third rod I'm building and first time using a cork sealer (U-40 Cork Seal). Is it better or perhaps easier to seal the handle before or after it is glued to the blank or does it not matter?

On a side note, I ordered a couple of nickel silver winding checks which I expected to match in color the real seat (aluminum/chrome) and guides I purchased. They appear to have somewhat of a golden hue to them. Is this normal for nickel silver? Should I have ordered aluminum winding checks?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Steve Erickson

Either way, if you get epoxy on the grip, you're going to have to get it off quickly and probably do a quick resand to restore the color to the affected area. Cork Seal would protect from this somewhat, but I think I'd cover the grip with tape or whatever you think you might need to keep it clean during the installation process and then once everything is just the way you want, apply the cork seal at that point.

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you can do it both ways, i like it put the cork on an arbor made of a dowel and tape and apply sealer, after it dries i then polish it with exfine scothbrite before mounting on the rod.