I just installed my first eva grip. The problem is the eva is about an 1/8 in. bigger than the reel seat. So im wondering what is the best way to get it down to the size of the seat? I was thinking about sanding it but i think that is going to take a long time.

If you have a rod lathe it will go quick. Put masking tape on the seat to protect it.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Dry wall screen works best for me. I also think it's more comfortable, because it's softer than cork, to be just a bit larger than the realseat.

If you feel you need to work it down a little by hand , I found that 150 grit will remove material faster and cleaner than say 60 grit. It seems the larger grit has a tendency to move the soft material around and not cut it as fast and cleanly due to the larger granulation of the grit. Then I use a medium grade dry wall screen for final cleanup. Be sure to mask the seat off good like Fred said.

Jason

Drywall screen is the go. I use 120 grit which gives a nice finish. Any higher, and you will start to burnish the EVA resulting in shiny spots. For rapid bulk material removal, a Sureform is very fast but beware, it will leave a very rough surface which will need some time spent on finishing.

Good luck

Chris

Start with a strip of Scotchbrite 7447. Rough shape it with this.

Then go to 40grit or 60 grit paper. Then move on to 120grit or, if you prefer, 180grit. Past that, go to 320grit wet/dry.

The key is the speed you use to turn the EVA piece. Too fast, and you'll heat it up too much and it'll get "shiny". Too slow, and it won't shape.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

One of the things I do to avoid this is to remove the handle from the mandrel and fit a reel seat onto the EVA to check for fit. It sure saves a lot of time and trouble. When using sheet rock sanding screen, I find that it will leave lines in the EVA. I may use it for basic shaping, but I prefer to use a bastard file when turning on my Jett Mini-Lathe to obtain the shape. I then use emory cloth as it is more flexible than garnet paper. I begin with 80 grit then finish with 150 grit, which seems to leave a very nice finish to the handle.

When the handle has already been glued up, I'd suggest taping the reel seat with electrical tape (slick and resists abrasion better than masking tape) and using the emory cloth as I described.

Good luck......George

Nice to hear from the spud state again, welcome back George.

Thanks a bunch! I'll soon be temporarily misplaced to New Mexico to work for 3 months. I'll probably be on here quite a lot during that time!

Take care.......George