I read in a recent post mention of the proper way to remove guides, but without any specifics. I generally cut into the threads with a new razor blade just under the foot and at an angle so that I do not hit the rod and then peel off the threads and epoxy. I then scrap as much of the old epoxy off as I can. I do not worry too much about getting absolutely everything off, but it is smooth enough so as not create bumps underneath the new guide. I do try to avoid damaging the rod, but have on occasion nicked it. So, is there a tried and true method that I should adopt?

Clinton

Should be removing guides...sorry for the typo.

Clinton

Just under the guide foot? I cut the threads on the top of the guide foot, this way I know I will not be hitting the blank, but hitting the guide foot with the tool.

There is a method outlined on the FAQs page here.

Either way, as long as you're careful not to cut into the rod blank you'll be okay.

..........

Once you pop the guide out, a heat gun is your best friend, warming any thread epoxy softens it greatly and you can just rub it off clean as can be.

DR

As Duane pointed out, a bit of heat is your best friend when working with epoxy. a BIT of heat will nicely soften the epoxy and make your work easier.

The key point of this is to say that - a BIT of heat - don't overdo it. Just a bit of gentle heat, will soften the epoxy and make it much easier to remove. I always start on the guide side of the rod, soften the epoxy, cut at an angle to the guide foot- with the razor blade on TOP of the guide foot. So, as you slice the thread, you are cutting down to the metal of the guide foot - no issue about cutting into the guide foot.
Peel back the thread, and use a bit more heat around the guide foot and the thread will wipe off with your finger or a blunt tool

I then use a razor blade - held at 90 degrees to the blank, to SCRAPE the balance of the epoxy etc from the blank. By scraping at 90 degrees to the blank, there is no issue at cutting into thte blank with the sharp blade.

Roger

Roger-Why would you use a razor blade held at a 90 degree angle (exactly perpendicular) to scrape? Unless you use different razor blades than I am familiar with, they are thin (I know that is self-evident) and flimsy at that angle. You couldn't even shave a whisker with them held like that. I would at least use an extremely dull knife edge (metal or plastic) or a fingernail to scrape with so I could get enough leverage yet not worry about damaging the blank.

Roger-Why would you use a razor blade held at a 90 degree angle (exactly perpendicular) to scrape? Unless you use different razor blades than I am familiar with, they are thin (I know that is self-evident) and flimsy at that angle. You couldn't even shave a whisker with them held like that. I would at least use an extremely dull knife edge (metal or plastic) or a fingernail to scrape with so I could get enough leverage yet not worry about damaging the blank.