I have a float rod which is excellent in all respects except one: it has useless metal sliding reel fittings, so poorly designed you can expect your reel to fall off regularly.
I intend to replace them with other sliding fittings - Daiwa-type "graphite" ones that work well enough on other rods I've got.
Not content to use these joke fittings, the makers cleverly trapped them in place by flaring the handle below (and fitting a pointless metal band that adds to the trap) so to get them off, I'll have to reduce the handle in places. I'm estimating by 1/8 - 3/16 over 3 or 4 inches.
I've done such mods in the past, but only aiming at a functional job. This rod is so nice, I'd like to keep a fine finish on the cork handle.
Can anyone advise on the best way to rub down a cork handle - tools/materials/methods - to give the best chance of a good finish? I usually dive in, but I thought I'd ask, this time.
I intend to replace them with other sliding fittings - Daiwa-type "graphite" ones that work well enough on other rods I've got.
Not content to use these joke fittings, the makers cleverly trapped them in place by flaring the handle below (and fitting a pointless metal band that adds to the trap) so to get them off, I'll have to reduce the handle in places. I'm estimating by 1/8 - 3/16 over 3 or 4 inches.
I've done such mods in the past, but only aiming at a functional job. This rod is so nice, I'd like to keep a fine finish on the cork handle.
Can anyone advise on the best way to rub down a cork handle - tools/materials/methods - to give the best chance of a good finish? I usually dive in, but I thought I'd ask, this time.