I turned my grip and epoxied it to my first cane blank project, w/o making sure that the top (?) end was flat / level. As a result, the winding check (hex) I want to use does not sit flush on the cork, but instead with a noticeable cant to one side. If it were level, it would show a gap between it and the grip.

I want it to fit and be level, but am afraid that hand sanding will never come out right or mar the blank. I am considering putting the blank on the lathe (chucking the female ferrule softly) and having at it that way. Experiences? Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Sean Tate

I would start the cork turning by whatever means you have and with a solid hand rest place an exacto knife to the cork and cut a straight line. Not to much at first, just score it and then slowly advance it until it cuts all the way through. I would wrap some masking tape around the cork where I am to cut it and then cut through the masking tape. This will keep it from splintering. Then wrap the rod blank with tape above the cork to protect the blank and touch it up with some hand sanding.

Mike Moran
Alleghany Anglers

Sean,

I promise I won't ask you for a hug. Your grip problem happened to me on a graphite 4wt. I was building. I wrapped tape around the rod blank to protect it. I took a small block of wood with sharp edges and taped 600 grit to it. I was able to sand the front of the grip 90 degrees around the blank. Took alittle time, but you can not tell it was fixed. If you are affraid to turn your rod in a lathe, you might try this first. If it does not work, you can still try Mike's sollution.

Bill Doherty

Had this happen just last night! I used the exacto/razor method mentioned in #1 and it worked perfectly. Just take your time and don't push it. Only cut a small amount per pass, and within a few turns, you are done!

TH