Well, I just finished reading Tom Kirkmans book, and my black just arrived today (thank you Fred Yarmolowicz). And I have a question, when I buy a cork blank, so I have to put a hole in it my self? If I do, should I try to make a tapered reamer? Or just use a file? Second, should I get new ones, or could I gut one of my old rods and use those? Second, how do I make it look pretty, what I mean is how do I put decals in, what tom said was to do is to just use the nylon thread, but I was wondering if I could make like a decal, and put it over my thread, and then put a adhesive on it, Then put the epoxy on it? thanks for the help, and if any one knows where I can get a rod seat, guides, and cork grip,
Thanks again,

-Nicholas Christie

Nicholas,
Look to the left side of this website. These companies are sponsors that keep this site going here for you ! and eveyone else building rods, and use the site for Q & A.
Most all of them will have every part you will need.
Also go up and click on PHOTOS you will see lots of "pretty" rods, to help give you ideas , for your project.
You will see decals, inlays, wraps, wood work, cork work,etc.


Dave von Doehren
PRRODS......If man built it , man can fix it.and if man built it man can break it !

Nicholas,
Why not just call & talk to sponsors to the left that are in your area. Tell them you're getting started and need a little assistance getting of the ground. The sponsors are great resources of helpful info.
Stan

Preformed grips already have been bored. You will have to ream it to fit your blank. You can use a reamer or a bastard file. Cork rings are also bored. I think Tom's book shows how to do both of these.

Make your own reamers out of old or broke blanks. I was fortunate enough to have old rods including surf rods, so I have just about every size reamer imaginable.

Hi Nicholas,

Give me a call. I would be happy to help!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..