I have two rainshadow blanks in green. Both are finished all the way to the top, no 1/2 inch dull area like the other blanks I have and have used. I assume I need to prep the tip just as if I were anywhere else that needed a water break free surface, right?

Will that tiny bit of sanding with 600 grit actually change the tip diameter to any noticable degree? The reason I ask is that neither of the tip tops fit and both were ordered per the catalog's tip diameter. I can get the tube started but it won't go more than about 2-3mm on the blank. Before I move forward, I'd like to know what you guys think. All the others I have put on seemed very loose, like I could have probably gone a size smaller, but these are the first "finished" blanks I've gotten.

Will 2 coats of finish (green and the clear) make that much difference?

Thanks!!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/07/2006 10:37PM by Keith Neidhart.

Scrape the finish off with the flat (not sharp) edge of a single-edged razor blade.

I don't use sandpapger it's too easy to get to the fibers. You would not generally want to use sandpaper to make a water break-free surface anyway. It leave deeper gouges in the surface as opposed to 000.

Christian

I'm not worried about getting into the fibres... 600 is about like using steel wool. I couldn't even get into the fibres on one pass. I just don't want to try to "make it fit" by thinking it's just finish, if you know what I mean. I hate the thought of waiting for 2 new guides and surely can't fathom paying overnight fedex on 2 tip tops.

Are batson blanks generally pretty true to the listed size and tip tops? I'm just trying to figure out if they have a thick finish or if I need to order new tops before even starting to prep the tips... because if I start, I don't think I'll be able to stop until the tops fit. And in case anyone wonders, I have tried Batson and Fuji tops on these, they both just start - exactly the same.

Hi Keith. Something amiss here. That rod tip should fit into the tip if it is sized right. It's also a good idea to gather tips and winding checks of different sizes in case the dealer or catalog makes a mistake. It has happened to me and I am only on my fifth rod. You could sand it to fit but I would hesitate myself. Tom

Hey Keith,

Don't forget the INSIDE of the tip top also. Use a drill bit that will fit inside the tip, placed in a battery drill on slow speed and let the tips of the drill bit "score" the inside of the tube to allow the epoxy to grip. It doesn't do much good if the epoxy adheres to the blank if the tip tube is slick on the inside and still has process lubricant inside where it was manufactured. After scoring, shoot it with electronic parts cleaner to degrease the inside. Blow clear with compressed air.

The manufacturer may clean these up very well, I just make sure they are scored and clean. They won't be the ones to replace the tip later! Just another ounce of prevention. Why risk a $300.00 rod with a $3.00 tip.

PS: Never count on the tip sizes being as listed. Order extra. Saves a lot of grief.

Keep 'em turning.

Charlie

Tip sizes listed can not be completely counted on. There will be some small varability between different blanks of the same model. It shouldn't be more than a half size off.

If you can get the tip on just a little bit - scraping off the finish will get you the rest of the way there.

Christian

I scraped off the finish this morning and it still won't fit. I was really careful... and I'm sure I could have gone further but don't want to chance anything. I went ahead and ordered larger tops. What a drag... time lost.

Thanks for the input.

-keith