Sanding wood inserts

[jtysone]

I have a walnut insert that i Really do not like the color of, Can i sand it down and restain it? Or is walnut naturaly the dark brown color? If this is something i can do, what do you guys cover the wood with after you stain it? poly

[runner]

I bet the walnut you have is black walnut which is naturally dark - I have some black walnut burl that is brown black and you can't see the burl unless in very bright sunlight - sanding will not help make it lighter - bleaching it will make it lighter but you are taking a risk with the bleaching not being uniform - the good news is that you can change out the reel seat - if you go that route there are many on the board that could help out - GoneToSeed, Guthooked, just post help needed in changing out a reel seat - Mike

[GonetoSeed]

runner is correct, especially if it's been stabalized. I have had pieces of black walnut that are almost like ebony. Plus, sanding will more than likely mess up the fit within the seat.

If it has not been stabalized there is a possibility that you can lighten it some. Since you mentioned sanding, I'm assuming it is not currently mounted in a seat. If it is in the seat, I don't think I would mess with it. If it is not, you can try soaking the insert in denatured alcohol. Submerge the entire insert into a container holding alcohol, completely covering the insert. The alcohol will get the oily resins that causes most of the darkness to leech out of the insert. Keep an eye on it and try to remove it when you stop seeing the alcohol getting darker. The longer you leave it, the lighter it will become, up to a point, and the dryer the wood will become, sometimes opening the grain. When you remove it, it will look like crap - light and dry looking - don't panic yet. Apply thin coats of Casey's Tru-oil and the color and grain should return and be lighter than the original. Use as many coats of Tru-oil as you want until you get the depth and sheen you like. If you don't want it to be glossy, buff it with 0000 steel wool.

Please understand that there is risk with this approach as runner points out. I just did this with Cocobolo which is an oily rosewood (the rod posted under H&H IM7 thread). I didn't get the results I wanted until the 3rd attempt. So don't try it unless you are willing to replace it. If it ends up that you need or want to replace, I will help and I'm sure Danny would too if needed.

[jtysone]

I was planning on buying a new one, and then had the idea of sanding it. No big deal im going to just order another one. I found some at cabelas that looks like a good deal. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0011157318090a&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=cat20366&podId=0011157&catalogCode=IF&parentId=cat20366&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20431&hasJS=true
The price of these seams realy low, Do you thing its a miss print?

[Windknot]

Cabela's carriers some REC seats, too, but check the REC home page. Nice seats & terrific wood.

http://www.rec.com/

[GUTHOOKED]

If you want a top quality reel seat, I'd stay away from that one. To call it nickel silver is a bit of a stretch - more like chrome plated. I used one once, and its now turning green. Stick with Struble, REC, or Bellinger. You'll pay a bit more, but the seat will look good forever.

If all you need is an insert, let me know. I only live a few miles from you, and I've got a garage full of wood. You're welcome to come by and see if there's anything here you like.

[jtysone]

Guthooked, I may take you up on that for my next rod i'm just going leave this one be. Do you turn your own? Thank s for all the help.
Im also wanting a custom cork grip with a few burl rings in it. Does anyone on the board be willing to make and sell one? Josh

[GUTHOOKED]

Yes, I turn my own seats and grips. I can either make one for you, or I could show you how to make it yourself if you like. Its not nearly as hard to do as most people think. If you have a hand drill and a vise, you can turn your own grips.

Danny

[fishnpreacher]

Not to hijack a thread, but have any of you used red cedar for a seat or grip? I've got some around here that has cured over a year and thought I would offer it if anyone is interested.