i've read that i'm supposed to prepare my blanks w/scotchbrite pads(7448 or 7446) to create a better bonding surface.

i've been using very fine sandpaper (have been unable to find scotchbrite locally) to scuff where each guide goes.

1 do you guys scuff each area where guides go?

2. if so, what do you use?

thanks

ronnie

justtrying,

The only place I prep a blank for bonding is the rear grip, seat, and fore grip areas. Making a water break surface using the scotchbrite pads or 600grit or finer paper. To test a water break surface do some of your sanding, then wipe with denatured and then drop one drop of water in the preped area dead center of the blank, if the water stands there it is ready. Always remember not to sand down into the fibers, you are just preping the surface. As for the blank area were you will place the guides I don't sand these areas, just a slight wipe off of the areas with denatured, and you should be good to go.

Tight Wraps......

There is a good article in the library of the .org site with photos on water break free prepping.  It's worth a look.

Don't prep guide areas, finish is designed to adhere to itself when the rod is encircled with it, it will stick to the rod but it won't help you to prep that area and it will show through the finish where you have gone beyond the wraps.

As Reelmech said, prep the area to be corked and under the seat (minus the exposed trigger area if you have one).