That's pretty normal for a pre-shaped grip.

Putter
Williston, ND

Jeff, the thread has been quite interesting and I thank you for asking the original question. We have all learned quite a few things. Now I have one more question. Did you install a reel seat on a blank the first thing. If I read your last post correctly you then installed the cork piece from the butt end of the rod by enlarging the hole so the cork would fit over the biggest end of the blank. Is that correct? Please clarify the correct sequence of putting the seat and cork on the blank. Putter, this may be another opportunity for a complete rethinking of the goal of this thread.

Gon Fishn

In haste at work, I never caught that, Bill...yeah, unless it's a fly rod, might need to speak about taper reaming to fit and the proper method and order of fitting rear grip, reel seat and arbors, then foregrip, eh???

Putter
Williston, ND



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/25/2006 05:30PM by Randy Parpart (Putter).

After reaming the handle grip out I slipped it over the narrow end of the rod and slid it down to the butt (fly rod). I didn't know how else it could be done. Once the guides are on there is no way to get the grip on unless you put the reel seat on last. I am following the sequence in the instructions and in Garcia's book. Is this the correct sequence?
Jeff

Most cork rings are bored with a quarter inch hole, but you can get them that are drilled larger if you look hard.

Bill in WV

Jeff,
We will be releasing a product very soon that will all but totally eliminate the need to measure, weigh or otherwise dispense equal parts of epoxy resin and hardener. This product will be the first of it's kind in the rodbuilding industry, and will solve the problem you and others have experienced with lesser forms of measuring and metering resins.

In addition, our new system totally eliminates wasted excess epoxy, as well as the nasty cleanup job that sometimes follows.


Andy Dear
Lamar Mfg.

Yeah, Jeff, I'll answer your question for you. On a fly rod, you did just fine. That's the way to do it.

Putter

Jeff,

Rod parts aren't supplied like plastic model kits - it's very common to have to do quite a bit of work in order to get things to fit. Most seats and/or grips are only supplied in 2 bore sizes, and as you know, rod blanks come in hundreds of different butt diameters.

5-minute epoxy is more than adequate for use in many rod building chores. My only caution would be that since it sets so quickly, you have to really be careful that you have done a bit of a "dress-rehersal" before you actually apply the adhesive and get things underway. More than one builder using 5-minute epoxy has slid his parts in place, only to find something a bit out of alignment, or not fitting perfectly, and then found the epoxy to have set to the point where the pieces could not be moved any further. Be careful when using the stuff - it doesn't allow you time to make any mistakes.

..............