I am still using fine emery cloth to dress out my guide geet after I grind them to shape. It works decently enough but I wonder if there might be a better way. I have tried a wire wheel in a grinder but did not feel it did a very good job. Are there maybe other types of attachments that remove burrs and sharp edges more easily than by hand sanding? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

I have used a grinder, sand parper, and emery cloth, but found that a sharpening stone works the best for me. My stone has two grits, one for the rougher work and the finish side. It doesn't take too much to come up with a nicely finished guide foot.

Volume 4 No. 3 of RodMaker Magazine, the latest issue, has an extensive article on guide foot preparation. I like a Dremel tool with a rubberized abrasive disk/wheel. Most jewelery supply places carry them.

I finish the feet with an EZ Lap diamond 'file'. These come in several grits and the fine does a great job removing tiny burrs and polishing the feet.

If you are using ANYTHING other than a "Unified" wheel, you are wasting valuable time. These wheels, comprised of a dense fiber similar to what you may know under the trade name of ScotchBrite, will completely de-burr and polish any guide foot in just a couple of seconds. They are, in fact, the most outstanding tool I have ever had in my rod building toolbox.

I know many of you have your preferred methods for doing this job and would be hesitant to try anything else. But I would bet that 9 out of 10 people who try one of these wheels will switch from whatever polishing method they now use, once they see how easy it can be.

The article mentioned above also lists several suppliers who carry these wheels. Quite inexpensive and they last a reasonably good while.

Tom Kirkman
RodMaker Magazine

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