Got bored...(handle replacment)

[WaffleJaw]

So I had alot of time over Thanksgiving break...I did alot of fishing,but I also had alot of time at home since my wife had to work everyday.
I decided to work on my trusty Allstar rod...I broke the tip awhile back so I wanted to repostion the guides spacing to make up for it...While looking at the rod...The gears my head started working....I had some new ''Groovy'' EVA grips I made made earlier...and I wanted to re-do the buttwrap..Havent done that yet,but heres the split grip handle

I started by removing the buttwrap by shaving the epoxy with a razorblade tilL I hit thread...once you find the ''starting thread''..It unwraps really easily,epoxy and all.....I then use 150 grit sandpaper and steel wool to remove the excess epoxy and decal.....Pilers were used to remove the forgrip and handle by pulling chunks off..I then used a large flathead screwdriver (on its side) to scrap more cork off...Then more sanding with 100,150,and steel wool....once I was satisfied,I did three coats of Krylon crystal clear ''gloss'' on the blank...It came out almost flawless!!...I was able to re-use the rubber winding check from the forgrip to cover up the front of the reel seat...Added my groovy grips,and now my little cranking rod lost a few grams of weight,and has a nice,new custom look.....Ill start the butt wrap and guide spacing later this week.....It was really fun to do.
Im really impressed with how well the gloss finish on the blank came out...The only spot you can tell I sanded is right in front of the rubber winding check....But that will be covered by the butt wrap..