After reading about using tapered files to ream cork grips for several years, I finally tried it this weekend. Bobbed off the file tang with a hacksaw, smoothed out the cut end with a file and chucked it into the drill. Ran the drill in reverse as suggested. Reamed two grips, and the results are just outstanding. The taper of the bore seems to mirror the taper of the blank. Clean, even, and centered. I can't imagine why anyone who tried this once would ever go back to any other method. I'll never use another grit or tape reamer. Just thought I'd share this with anyone else thinking about this approach. Best, Vance

The one problem with this system is finding files that work over all ranges of blank sizes. They are my reamer if choice if sized right but occasionally you'll find a blank size that they don't cover. For these in between sizes I have made reamers from blank discards using abrasive strips spiral wrapped and glued in place.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

The problem is grit on a piece of blank or even grit tape won't really cut through wood, and there's usually wood in my grips. I'd like to get a source for round files in many different diameters/tapers...

Josh Markvan
www.markvanheirloom.com

The grit type reamers will cut through wood, but much more slowly. I use my sanding belt reamers on wood, but usually chuck them up in the drill and power ream them. You gotta go slowly, clear often, and allow it to cool. It helps to use the coarser reamers first, clean constantly with a bottle brush, then go finer as you get closer to diameter.