I would like to build a surf rod with cork tape and a slip over reel seat. my question is how do i install the reel seat. on top of the cork tape or reel seat first then tape in front and behind the seat. thanks for any help


DENNIS

I usually install the seat and then the tape. You will have to judge the angle to cut your tape so that it seats against the seat edge and then spirals around the blank at the correct angle. Just cut, fit and try and cut fit and try again. You'll have it within a few tries. Bind down the edges with either heat shrink tubing or double thread wraps.

You might want to try one of Fujis' removeable reel seats. That way you can do the cork tape in one shot, tape on the seat, move it around until its comfortable and then wrap it on to match the guides.
Tom