Boy, I've had more than my share of kicks to the head when it comes to rodbuilding lately. Granted, some are due to my own ignorance and learning curve as I try new things and what not.

Picked up a 4rpm drying motor and support at a local store for about $35. Put the second and last coat of LS Supreme on my friend's Calstar stand-up rod which came out beautifully. Started on my Dan Craft fly rod spines. Went in to check on my finish and found my drying motor FELL APART! The cheap rubber rod holder fell off the motor.

Tried some heat to do some Damage control, the results are fair but the epoxy had already set a bit too much and my attempts to wick the drips off only made things a bit worse. May have to do some sanding. Frustrating! Guess I will be epoxying my drying motor together tomorrow so this doesn't happen twice.

Any suggestions other than sanding?

Phil

I am no expert but I had a very similar occurrence with a Seeker stand-up a few weeks ago. the rod fell out of the drying motor, landing on the wooden base still supported by the V-blocks with the guides straight up. All the run and drip was on the bottom (including about 8" of buttwrap).

I bought a set of small files in various shapes for notta lotta money. They are about 6" long and come with wooden handles in a small red plastic case. I found them to be just the ticket for taking off those drips and sags. I can easily reach around guides with them and the flat sides really helped smooth and level everything out.

I considered going back over all the boo-boos with sandpaper but the files are fine enough that I was able to refinish without further prep to an excellent finish.

Get this rod holder. Never had any rod fall off it costly but works well You don't need that center stem thingy [www.cabelas.com]

A lot of sponcers on the left cary it

Thanks for the tip. Will do that for sure, use this other one as my epoxy mixer (thanks for the tip Larry, hadn't thought of that but would work perfect).

Phil

Phil,

I use the same chuck that Bill pointed out to you. I use the Rubberbands as the picture shows, and then wrap masking tape around the whole deal to make sure nothing comes loose. I had a rod fall onto the dirty garage floor... guides don't look to good with dirt and dog hair stuck to them!! lol

Carrington

I have had the two I use for several years and have not had one fall off yet - knock on wood
Now that I said that, the next one will ??!!

Hi Phil. I would love to say that this has never happened to me. Truth is I think most rod builders have had malfunctions in this area. Motor failure, rod holding apparatus, gremlins and who knows what else. I have been building rods for probably 40 years and it has happened more than once. Suggestions of course sanding comes to mind and if it were me a Bud or two. I definetly feel for you my friend, hope you learn faster that I did.

Hey Phil,

I will let you in on one of Doc Ski's methods on getting rid of those finish lumps.

About two month's ago, I went over to visit Doc Ski and learn more about rod building. While I was not there when Doc had put up a couple of rods on the turner, he fell asleep only to be woken up to be asked if he wanted to rods to be turning while they were drying. Doc jumped up and found the rods with lumps on the finish. That is when I got there, he was not a happy man, but he knew what to do. Did he use sand paper or a file to get of the lumps, NOPE. He got out a razor and trim those lumps right out of the the finish. Like in two seconds, he had those rods looking like a glass finish finish again, with a litte rod finish re-applied, they looked like they had a chrome finish. Would I use a razor now, you bet. But this is because I practiced what Doc showed me and it has to at a time when I am not hungry or my hands shake a little. But I did have a lot of practice in when I use to have lumpy finishes due a bad mix or power outages here in Florida.
You will be amazed at how this works. Just be careful NOT TO CUT THE THREAD.

Finish lumps are no longer are a problem for me, but I still hate to see them.
Good habits are hard to brake.

Thanks all with all the comments/suggestions.

After another coat of epoxy, everything molded together quite nicely. You can still see too very small lumps, but it'll do. I leave Sunday for Japan. Anyone need anything within reason, e-mail me.

Went fishing last night, landed a 466 lb bull shark. :) To kick it off, I was by myself in my own boat. That makes for an interesting story, let me tell you.



Haven't slept and gotta work tomorrow... crashing out. Thanks again.

Phil