What do you guys use to take up space between the blank and the unibutt ferrule? Rigging floss? Thread?

If we're talking about just a small amount of space, then I'd use drywall tape saturated and filled with RodBond. More space than that, probably cotton cord again with the area filled and saturated with RodBond. Either of these makes a good, durable and long lasting assembly.

Probably the very best method, however, is to get a scrap piece of rod blank that will fit over the butt of your current blank matching taper for taper, gluing that in place and then turning the outside of the new piece to perfectlly fit the uni-butt ferrule. This is more work and likely overkill, but it's a true high quality assembly when done that way. Just depends on what lengths you wish to go. As I said, the above two are perfectly sound and not at all hard to do.

Somebody will mention making bushings from masking tape and packing the space in between with PC7 paste epoxy. That will also work, but you may find the PC7 to be a bit hard to work with, particularly if you're only talking about taking up a small gap.

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Its a little less that 1/8". Really hardly any space I just like the snugger fit. Thanks for the help. I use the flexcoat epoxy glue. And put this white powdery substance in it to make it thicker. How does this compare to Rodbond and the other brands?

You don't need to put in any "powdery" substance (and in many cases you shouldn't) to make it thicker. If you need a paste or gel epoxy - get one. If the fit is snug, the Flex Coat epoxy is fine as is.

If the overall difference is 1/8th inch, then you've only got 1/16th inch all the way around. I would think a heavy cord or the drywall tape would be all you'd need. If you haven't used RodBond, you may find it becomes your favorite epoxy to use on most rod building chores. It's a gel and it stays where you put it.

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Al,

Tom is right bout someone responding about using masking tape, I guess I am the first "masking tape" user to respond. When needed I use two bands of 1/4 masking tape on blank 1/4" from the top and bottom of ferrule. If you already have a tip top on the blank drill a hole centered on the ferrule to expel air as you slide the ferrule on, otherwise it will pop off with caprtured air pressure as soon as you let go of it. If the tip top is not on leave off until after the ferrule bond has cured.

There are certain fillers used for thickening epoxy for gluing and gap filling. Though some other fillers would provide enough strength to hold a ferrule it would be best acertain it is the correct stuff for the job. I've used both West Systems Epoxy 404 adhesive filler and 406 colloidal silica to thicken liquid epoxy for use in rod building, but the other "fillers" in their line may not be the best to use in this case. I used to use these fillers before I went to using already thick paste epoxies. Now I use kardol, but rod bond is equally good.

Lou

Versitex on the sponsor's list sells graphite unibutt bushings that may work for what you need to take up the small difference in diameter. Here's the link:

[www.versitex.com]

Not sure if it will help but give them a look, they are great to work with. Good luck!
Scott
Lines End

I will usually wind a strand of copper wire tightly in wide spirals up the blank. Then fill the area with Rod Bond and install. Also remember to coat the inside surfaces of the unibutt ferrule with Rod Bond.

I saw the trick about drilling a small hole in the ferrule end and the drywall tape use in a very early issue of Rodmaker some years ago. Both are also good ideas.

I have use 1/4" tape bands about 3/8" apart on the end of the blank where the ferrule goes and then coat it with Flexcoat and turn it in the dryer. Build it up a little over the size you need then sand to fit. You cannot have to thick of tape on these big rods as it can compress under pressure. I just glued a pair of standup blanks in 50lb. {UB2} butts and the tube of a #18 spin seat was the perfect fit. Fine sand or grit is a good filler when the fit needed is very small. An 80 ferrule with the ridge ground off is a perfect fit in a 130 ferrule.Jesse