Hi,
I am new to the site and relatively new to rod building. I have only built 3 fly rods and my last Winston came out pretty good, but I would like to improve my skills and hoped you all could provide some expert advice. I just bought all the components to make myself a bass rod and would appreciate information on a few topics:

-Finish coat
I currently use Flex coat lite. I have difficulty leveling it sometimes. Any advice on alternative finish coats, techniques, tools, etc.

-Marbling
I have not tried it but it looks really great. Are there any articles or instructions on marbling techniques, materials to use, etc.

-Custom Decals
Are there any sources where I don't have to buy hundreds of decals, but perhaps just a few custom decals. Or is there a way to use an ink jet printer and some special paper or film?

Thanks in advance

I'm new myself..... in regards to the decals, there is a printer that you can get made by ALPS
MD1000, MD1200 & MD5000 are great printers. With them you can make your own water slide decals & dry transfers.

I've been using flex coat lite and had this problem in the beginning. I went to a different brush, one with a short flat bristle and then applied sparingly. I used flex coat lite last year on a Loomis steelhead rod I made and it came out great. You might try the regular flex coat if you want to go with one coat. I've never tried marbling so I can't help you there.

On the decals go with Decal Connection(one of the sponsors on the left), they'll make as few or as many decals as you need.

Hi Gerald.

Finish Coat - If finish is not leveling your proberly applying to much finish at one time. Several light applactions is always better. Your using a brush - Don't use is as a brush as a brush - use it as an applicator - apply from the top and let the turning blank pull the finish off the brush. Make sure the blanmk is level in your dryer. One thing I just started doing is to hand turn the blank for the 1st hour then using the motor. Super finishes. If you do a search here you'll find lots of info.

Marblizing - There is an article on that in the Library section of the site.

Custom Decals - On the left your see Decal Connection from what I here they are great. There is also California Tackle and there is another board sponser that does decals but I can't remember the company's name (sorry to the sponser).

Hope this helps.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/04/2005 07:09AM by Milton (Hank) Aldridge.

About level finishes: To add to what was said above about hand-turning. Very important: the rod must be as level as you can get it. Now, after you have applied the epoxy, let the rod stand without turning until epoxy collects and sags at the bottom, at first this will happen within a minute or two. Remove most of the excess with a brush or spatula (don't touch the threads, just lightly touch the implement to the sag and pull the excess off). Let the rod stand briefly in that position, then turn it 180 degrees and let stand until the epoxy sags again. Again, remove excess. Repeat until no significant saggging occurs, always turning 180 degrees, always waiting just a bit first. The amount of time between turns will gradually increase. When there is no further sagging, place in the rod dryer, or just continue turning 180 degrees by hand. One neat thing about this technique is you don't have to worry about applying the right amount of epoxy, just put it on thicker than necessary because the excess gets removed, and the result is uniform for all the guides.

Gerald,
some tricks to try. first in measuring out the epoxy place two quarters on a table ,cover with alum. foil press an inprint of the quarters in the foil. this will make two fine measuring cups of equal volume fill one with part A the other with partB an mix. this is generally enough for one rod without a largr butt warp.
with the warps turning, use a heat gun on them. this will cause sags. remove the sags with a tooth pick. this will make a smooth finish. make sure the rod is level.
C.P,

Check out the Decal Connection link to the left! You can buy ONE decal if you choose and get the same great service as if you ordered 50. Jimi provides quality decal at a good price (Fast, too) Give him a call.
There is an article on Marbleiing in the Library at the top of this page. You can also do a search at the top and type in marble

Mike

Thanks to all who replied to my post, I appreciate your feedback. I will try some of techniques you guys listed.