Is there an article or tutorial for the tip top band removal idea? I didn't see one in the library. I also did a search and came up empty.
Thanks

I use a paper clip thru the tip top & use a rubber band in the other end of the tip top to something solid. Then apply gentle heat to the tip top. When the adhesive (epoxy or hot melt) has melted sufficently, the tension on the rubberband will pull the tip top off the rod.
This removal was someone else's invention, not mine, but it works wonderfully & insures that you don't damage the blank.
Bill

take a paper clip Straighten out both loops
Put one loop around the - Base of the tip top ring
Wrap the short end around the main part at least two times
The other end wrap the loose end around the main part - keeping the loop large so a thick rubber band will go though
Push a band into it then take the band over itself - grab the end and pull to tighten
Secure the band on a hook of some sort

i use a candle to heat the top Stretch out the rod and put the candle under the top
turn with pressure -- Wait - Pop it comes off
depending on glue it may take a little while

Bill - willierods.com

What I said 8 or so years before was get a large paper clip or a wire and put a hook shaped bend in each end. This is to isolate the heat on the tiptop from melting the rubber band. I use a large/long paper bundle rubber band. I hook the wire between the eye on the tiptop and the rubber band. I put a good stretch in the rubber band (staying on the axis of the blank) and attach to a solid fixed point. I use my alcohol burner, your choice, and heat the tip end of the tiptop and let the heat migrate up the tube of the tiptop. As soon as the heat has traveled to the end of the tube and softened the adheisive including 5 minute epoxy, the tiptop will fly off. I would not stand in front of the tip end of the rod. The more tension on the rubber band the faster it will overcome the adheisive and stop the migration of heat inward to damage the blank.

Thanks. I need to remove one.

Hello All.

I don't use a paper clip, I use a snap swivel and snap to the tip.

Tight Wraps.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Sounds like a pretty god option to me.