The cane looked reasonable although a break 6" from the tip ensured that she became an 11 footer when completed. The ferrules were well fixed and just needed blackening, the cork came up pretty well with a good scrub and the end wooden button needed filling and shaping before painting. The original jappanned rings were unfortunately beyond help, so I coaxed/pleaded with a mech engineering guy at work to make me a new set out of stainless steel welding rods which were then powder coated and oven baked to ensure a nice finish. Paul F kindly sent me the some whipping silks in the correct colour and some excellent Mylands No 8 lacquer.
Filled with trepidation I set to and started the whipping. Paul F luckily was always on hand to offer encouragement and advice as I went through trials and tribulations, repeatedly whipping and removing said whippings, as I tried to produce an acceptable end result. I knew I had to get a move on as this heatwave was causing my Mylands to turn to treacle before my eyes even though I was storing the pot in a container of water in a cool dark place.
Well here are the before and after piccies. To be honest I am relieved not to have completely wrecked the rod because at one point I envisaged having to send it to a "proper" restorer. However I do feel an enormous sense of achievement and looking back I did enjoy the whole process.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/SBRdyQ9.jpg
I may keep my eye our for an old Corbett to restore for use on the Trent for Barbel!
I particularly like the fact that you had rings made to suit - that's dedication to the job
Thought I'd add a picture with my favourite reel too.
