My first double braided eye splice - what am I doing wrong?

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Sorry things are difficult; that Wand is supposed to make splicing easier, not harder. So I'm glad you wrote in, instead of forcing things further.
First, what is the rope, that is, who makes it and what model. For instance, New England Sta-Set. Some ropes require different splices, including ones where you don't enter the tool into the cover as you are describing.
Next, is this new rope? I mean utterly, brand new. Especially when you are learning, even a slightly toughened rope will be a bear.
Next, in the diameter you describe, 1/4" can be tight, even in the proper rope, and we note this in the catalog. If it is, we'll be happy to trade you for a Micro Wand. You could also just send me a sample of the rope you are splicing, so I can pass judgement on its spliceability. In any event, I want you to have a non-traumatic time with this Art. Be in touch.
As for that tapered furler line, what's described could work nicely, but I'd be more likely to remove the core from the first few feet of the line, to take up less space on the drum, then transition to the cored section, and then maybe to an end-to-end-spliced connection to a larger line. Should be a much easier splice...
Fair leads,
Brion Toss