Can I use a dremel tool to remove some of the cork of a rod to expose the blank? I realy like the look and feel of the new rod I got that has an exposed blank.

Can I use a dremel tool to remove some of the cork of a rod to expose the blank? I realy like the look and feel of the new rod I got that has an exposed blank.

You could probably make an attempt, but unless its absolutely necessary, I personally wouldn't.  I've dismantled several rods and rebuilt them to spec.  Each rod took a tremendous amount of patience and care, one slip up and you've ruined an otherwise good blank/rod.

Agree with dick. One slip - and all it takes is one minor slip especially with a dremel - and the rod will be ruined.

I have done this modification and it takes time and going slow.

There are several other folks who have done this. Can do a search and see how they did it.

Other ways to accomplish, but this is how I have done a couple. Usually start about 1/4" to 1/2" beyond where I want the end to be. This leaves some material to work with for squaring up the ends and provides some room in case messed up.

I cut into the cork, around the circumference of the handle, as far as I can with a very sharp razor. I then make other "radial" cuts along the section that will be coming out and score it with lateral cuts. I then start cutting away and "re-cutting" the radial cuts when I reach depth.

When near the blank go extra slow. I get as much cork and glue high spots as possible. I then use 320 sandpaper to knock off the high spots in the glue and sand smooth working my up to 600 grit. I put a couple wraps of tape on the blank and use a file and sharp razor to square up the ends.

After complete I will finish to protect blank: add some pigment to some finish and coat, marble or thread wrap. Attaching a picture of one I am working on now where marbling.  This helps protect the blank and mask any glue that won't come off - the manufacturers use good glue and LOTS of it.  At least the ones I have done.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Eddie

You do great work Eddie, that's a pretty nice looking rod!

Thanks, dick. Appreciate that. I still have a lot of work to do on this.  Its very much in the beginning stages.  But, got interrupted with cleaning some reels.......

Going to black out the ends and ramp along with some gold trim bands then finish the whole thing. Then going to finish rounding out the cork grips down to the finish.

I am just a firm believer in adding finish to the blank when this procedure is done. Just get concerned with all the sanding and cutting that something has been weakened. That's the beauty of tigerwraps and marbling - gives it a little bling, adds to the structure of the blank and (for me) covers up those stubborn glue spots that I just can't get off.

There are some examples on here where folks have done a lot better, IMHO, but I sure do enjoy doing this.

Eddie