Hi Jason, I had it powder-coated before grinding.
This is how I had it done:
I masked off the bearing surface end (on the left, looking from the front of the reel) and then masked the bearing surface and threaded section on the cutter sprocket end with 1/2" masking tape, took it to the sandblasters and had it blasted...(it came up a treat) then
straight to the powder-coater's; as surface rust will commence just with moisture in the air.
Once powder-coated, off to the engineer for spin-grind complete with the soleplate (with the bottom knife-blade attached) so it could have the top and front edge surface ground as well. You always take both reel and soleplate to the engineer and their done as a pair.
Best of luck with it and don't forget, pics please
