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Hardware - Ferrules
Fitting - Lathe Process

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Drill bits make GREAT holders for the male ferrules, and you can always find just the right size, AND they spin about as true as anything will ever spin, and won't break off like wood or plastic, and a little hot melt holds it right there.  (Jerry Andrews)

Thought I would share what worked very well for me today was using one of the diamond finger nail files to fit male-female ferrules. Measured both the male and female and worked the file on my new Grizzly lathe. Used  the diamond file to bring the male within about 1 to 2 thousands and then polished with 1000 and 2000 grit paper. Lots of stop and measure so I did not go too far to fast with the diamond file. Several test and fits and they popped very nicely. Relatively quick as well.  (Frank Paul)

I recently started making ferrules.  I decided to finish the second one I made by leaving it set up in the lathe and lapping the male to a nice fit.  After I finished I wondered if there is a reason NOT to do this.  The ferrules that you buy have to be fit which I have been doing after putting it on the rod.  I can’t think of a reason why lapping before would make a difference but, I want to make sure I am not doing something wrong before I do this on the next one.  (Rick Barbato)

I also lap the homemade ferrule to fit before mounting it on the rod. Sometimes it can be hard to separate the ferrules though when there is not much leverage before they go on the blank.. And you may find need for slight lapping again even after you mount it on the blank. The reasons are discussed in the archives. Many accept the theory that as the blank absorbs moisture the male expands just enough to require a bit more lapping.  (Paul Franklyn)

Nothing wrong with doing it that way.  I do it after it's mounted on the rod section, only because it's a little nicer to work the ferrule with it mounted.  The ferrule sticks out a little further away from them moving chuck jaws, and I'm less likely to have my knuckles rapped.  (Mark Wendt)