Final shaping and sanding

The grip and reel seat are then placed on the lathe and final shaping is done with 80, 100, 150 grit sand paper. After shaping, the piece is finished sanded with 220,320,400,600,800,and finally 1500 grit paper.

Preperation for the reel seat

A precision cut out was made in the butt of the grip to accept the hardware for the recessed reel seat

Finishing

The cork is sealed with U-40 cork seal to make clean up easy and give the look of aged patina to the cork. The wood is finished with tung oil and allowed to dry over night.