majicwrench wrote:
And as the wise man said, don't twist too soon. And don't bother asking me how I learned that one.
You can always add a stent. (don't bother asking how I know that).
The only real disaster I had was trying to remove a worn out tiptop with a butane lighter on a graphite rod. the tip turned into a noodle. I only lost 1/2", but it was not something I want to repeat.
I will often use a torch on a metal reel seat for the reason Magjicwrench mentions. you can get the heat up high enough to break it free before the heat gets to the blank, but make sure you have some good padding because the reelseat is really hot. I also will cycle heat, water, heat water. I don't know if it helps, but it makes me feel better. The other risk of flame (or a hot heat gun) on the seat is that if you get it onto the cork, it will char.
There is a reason why rod builders don't like restoration projects. They are a labor of love.
Posted: 05 May 2020, 21:46 • 