Making Wood Reel Seat Inserts

One of the many joys of making bamboo fly rods is aesthetic customization. Bringing out unique and beautiful wood grains in reel seat inserts can add a very handsome dimension to a cane rod. I made this reel seat insert from Bolivian Rosewood.

However, things don't always go as planned. Before making the above wood insert, I attempted one out of Brazilian Walnut. Before polishing, I decided to make a very minor adjustment to the insert on my lathe. I was immediately reminded of the adage, "leave well enough alone." I didn't, and the insert ripped open. Makers are continually invited to walk the very delicate line between perfection and good enough.

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Here is my process for making wood reel seat inserts from pen blank wood stock. 

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