OK, you've built and set the grip and reel seat with great care, concentrated on making the thread wraps perfect, laid the epoxy silky smooth. What is the your last step before presenting the rod to the customer? What or how do you buff/polish the rod to glisten in the light?

I don't build rods for profit but I want the rods that I build for friends to reflect the love and care that I put into building them. I think it'd be a shame to consider the rod finished when the epoxy dries.

What do y'all do?

Mike

A thorough buffing with David von Doehren's new handle material makes it really shine! LOL!

Seriously, I check the rod over and clean any finger prints, smudges, etc, wipe it down with a damp cloth and go over the handle
and reel seet and remove any glue or epoxi that I may have missed and maybe clean or sand the cork if needed.

Any good craftsman would have a similar "checklist" before releasing a completed project don't you think?

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

I wipe it down with a soft cotton cloth moistened with a little car wax, wipe it dry, check the cork and seat for any cleanups, then stick it in the sock.

I make sure all teh seams are glued perfect - butt cap to grip, grip to reel seat, and forgeip to butt wrap. I then use a chamois with Lemon Pledge, massage the rod, and hope and pray teh guy doesn't break it in his car door, or ceiling fan

Starbrite Marine Polish W/Teflon - West Marine - Cheesecloth Application - Wipe On - Let Turn To a Haze White - Wipe Off

Gon

A coat of Meguiar's Carnauba Wax and a good buffing with a soft cloth. If the rod contains EVA grips I give them a cleaning with 303 Protectant. Attach warranty and care instructions, then in the rack until customer takes delivery.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

I always put a coat of car wax, pledge or some type of was/polish. I stronglu urge everyone that gets one of my rods to do it at least twice a year for protection/ease of cleaning



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/08/2005 11:05AM by Mike Barkley.