Hey guys what are some of the best ways you have found to remove finish from the blank once it has dried? Like when doing a guide replacement. Thanks!

Light heat -- LIGHT do not over heat Razor blade I cut along the side of the foot Then pick and pull it off Careful Don't hit the blank

Bill - willierods.com

Lightly warm the finish. I run a razor blade across the top of the guide foot. Peel away where it is cut. Find a "tag end" of the wrap and pull to unwind the thread. I use a credit card to remove any excess finish from the blank.

Ken is right The top of the foot is a lot safer way to cut into the thread You have to be very careful doing it my way

Bill - willierods.com

Cameron,
In addition to the above posts:

I also use masking tape to tape off the blank that is outside the area of guide coating.

I put about three wraps of masking tape over the blank a bit past the edges of the guide finish.

Then, I use light heat to soften the finish and while holding the razor blade at right angles or at 90 degrees to the blank, I will scrape the guide coating off of the blank. I do not CUT the finish off of the blank because one runs the risk of slicking into the blank material.

But, by scraping the finish at 90 degrees you don't run the risk of cutting the blank.

The masking tape keeps the razor blade from slipping past the end of the guide finish and removing the rod finish itself.

Be safe

Just use a bit of heat and try to peel it off first and then use a razor if needed.

Glenn McMurrian