my sons fiance wants me to build her a rod (when do i get to build one for me ?!?!?!?!) and wants the handle to look "like the cute one on the magazine cover with the dots". thanks a lot tom! i live in the sticks, and am having a hard time finding the two similar sized thin wall brass tubes to use as plug cutters. in fact, at the hobby lobby in town all i got was a "huh?" when i asked. and blank stares at the hardware store. i did get a 1/4" threaded brass fitting and turn it down but its not a good substitute. anyone know of a source on the net to get these? THANKS

I'm surprised Hobby Lobby doesn't have it.

Try www.towerhobbies.com and look for K&S tubing.

On another subject, I want to thank all the posters here for the help. I'm working on my third surf rod now and I've picked up a ton of tips from this board. Thank You!

George

John,
I made a black grip with pink polka dots and used aluminum tubing. Cut two 6 inch pieces. One piece I sharpened from the inside and the other piece I sharpened from the outside. Made for a good tight fit and every hole was perfect.

Steve

John,

I purchased a zip lock bag full different size copper, brass, and aluminum tubing for $7.95 at a model shop. They use them in building models for axles or what ever. Seriously there must be 100 pieces in this bag any where from two inches to six inches long and every diameter you could ever need. I just sharpened the ends and used them as plug cutters. I cut the plug a little larger then the hole so it fits snug.

Larry R. Tysinger

thanks for all the tips guys. i will go to corpus tomorrow and try the model shops.