Cleaning an old blank

[Carpenter]

Im replacing the guides on an old custom rod. Any recommendations for cleaning up the blank (graphite) and the cork?

[uffdapete]

Rubbing alcohol on a cotton rag, and elbow grease.

[clKiekhafer]

3M Scottbrite for the cork with water.

[harvey lee]

If you have some bad spots in the cork, one could also use some cork filler to repair any damage.

[Carpenter]

Forgot to get cork filler on my MH order. That will have to wait unless I can find it locally in Brainerd.

I heard of using a magic eraser on the cork. I tried that on an old junky rod and it works really well and is pretty quick. It didn't seem to do anything negative to the cork or existing filler.

[Carpenter]

I'm guessing cork filler has to be more durable than wood filler, right? Or maybe there's a difference between wood filler and the wood putty I'm thinking of? What I'm thinking is basically playdough. I suppose it hardens a bit.

[A.W.Wolfram]

I'm guessing cork filler has to be more durable than wood filler, right? Or maybe there's a difference between wood filler and the wood putty I'm thinking of?

If you ask me it the same thing. Water base wood filler. Try something like Elmer's Pro bond Wood Filler in the squeeze tube. Natural color looks close to cork.

[Carpenter]

Thanks Wolfram. I'll hit the stores tomorrow.

You guys use U40 at all? Does it make the grip smooth/solid like a varnish on wood, or does it soak in and still feel like cork? Or do you let it soak in, dry then sand?

[Willow Sticks]

For the cork,consider filling the holes with your wood filler then wet sand it clean with 400 or 600 grit wet/dry sand paper. U-40 will seal the cork but also darken the color a little. Simple Green soap will also clean the cork.