Anyone have any information they care to share on how to hold that end -
perfectly centered - without breaking it? My first inclination is to bore
a tapered hole in a section of dowel and then cut two slots 90° to each
other to make a compression fit vise and slide the ferrule end into the
slightly tapered hole to hold that end. Not sure how much stress that
would put on the ferrule and maybe crack. I would use non-marring steady
rest to keep things from whipping but I'd be worried about heat build-up
on the rod at that point and what may happen - like permanent damage.

I did manage to get a couple of butt section ends from the Cortland Line
factory store that they use to mount reels to for display but they don't
have any ferrules on them - just a cut off section of the rod that extends
beyond the cork about 5". I would use these to practice on first. Now I
could always take the rod to a pro and have them do it and I just may have
to, but first I'd like to see if I can't do it myself. Fly fishing is
just not about catching fish for me - it's the journey.

Thanks for your input,

Bob S.

Bob,
Can you remove the butt cap of your rod with an alcohol burner? The heat
should loosen the old glue/epoxy. Then insert a small piece of fly rod blank
into the hollow end or your rod until snug leaving 4 or 5 inches protruding.
Chuck up the protruding piece of rod blank into a 3/8 drill motor. Use 100
grit paper to shape your grip then some 220 to smooth/finish it off. You
should be able to "freehand" this task, or use a V-block for support.
Protect your reel seat and forward wraps with masking tape. Its not rocket
science but it works well and is simple to do. Reattach the butt cap with
some 5 minute epoxy.
And, don't burn yourself.

Good luck,
Guy