First I just want to thank all the contributors to this site that help all the rod builders out there. I am relatively new at rod building and find the site to be of Immense help to all. 2 things I have questions about. Reaming a butt cap. I am aware that drills work well and using them backwards on cork or EVA seems the best thing. I am a hobby builder and don't have a shop, I ream with my reamers or drill bits in a 3/8 chuck cordless drill, but 1/2 inch bit cant chuck up in my drill. What are others doing to ream bigger than 1/2?
Also what are guys using to clean the blank prior to epoxy on wraps, blank etc, particularly after first coat. I find some lint or little specs of debris and just wanted to know if others have a way to clean the surface prior to application.

Thanks again to all who share their knowledge, I for one am grateful for all I have learned from others here!

Stan

Maybe I'm having an off day, but I cannot visualize exactly what you want to ream to greater than 1/2".

However, with regard to cleaning a blank, my practice is to inspect a blank upon receipt and clean with a light wipe down with alcohol, the 90% rubbing type. If a section of blank's surface needs subsequent cleaning, such as to remove a finger print, I again use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) sparingly. To remove dust, lint, etc. either a gentle puff through a straw or a gentle pat with blue painter's tape usually does the trick.

Stan

Maybe I'm having an off day, but I cannot visualize exactly what you want to ream to greater than 1/2".

However, with regard to cleaning a blank, my practice is to inspect a blank upon receipt and clean with a light wipe down with alcohol, the 90% rubbing type. If a section of blank's surface needs subsequent cleaning, such as to remove a finger print, I again use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) sparingly. To remove dust, lint, etc. either a gentle puff through a straw or a gentle pat with blue painter's tape usually does the trick.

You want to enlarge a butt cap a little bit , if it's rubber what i typically do is use a metal rod, ( Solid or hollow) it doesn't matter thats slightly larger in diameter than the inside dimensions of the butt cap and heat the end of the metal rod with a torch . I then carefully align the butt cap over the end of the rod and slowly push down , then remove it . That is one way that has always worked for me but the easiest way is to purchase a butt cap of the correct size in the first place.


Agree with the others on how to clean the blank.

A soft bristle brush remove dust and lint from blanks, or wraps very well, leaving no residue behind.

Spray down the blank with windex and use a paper towel to wipe down the blank.

Thanks for your reply Donald. I guess most of the blanks I use are a bit less than half, maybe I need to measure a little better, 9/16 does seem a bit large. About the cleaning, I was wondering about after applying the first coat of epoxy. I seem to see many little white specs of something and didn't want to use something that would affect the first coat. As some have suggested a brush, straw or iso seems to work well. thanks again all for the tips!