I tried to build my first rod and ran into some snags. First, I bought Fuji concept guides and used a standard spacing chart. This made the line touch the rod. I discovered this after I had finished the rod. So, 1st question. I know there is a great library article on spinning rods and guide spacing. Is there an article for baitcasting guides? After realizing my error with the guide spacing, I found this website. It was very helpful in removing the guides. However, in removing my guides, some chips of rod finish came off with the epoxy. The rod blank was a St. Croix SCIV. I used a razor to cut down the guide feet and used my thumb to remove the rest of the glue. I did not use heat. 2nd question. What did I do wrong? Why did the finish come off? Also, is there anything I can do to fix these chips? Last question. I made a custom split grip handle with no fore grip. It looks amazing but I do not know how to finish the area where the fore grip would be. Right now I am using a winding check to cover the gap between the reel seat and the blank. If there any other methods? What can be used for a spinning reel? I built one of these as well but the gap is to big for the winding check. Again, thank you for you help!

P.S. I feel that I am already becoming addicted to rod building... Any cure for this...

Dan Eaton

Dan,No know cure just therapy in Feb. at the show.Lots of people to support you.As to the finish concern I`ve heard alot about the St. Croix finish being a little bit of a problem.If the chip is under a wrap I would fill with permagloss to build it up to the level of the rest oft he finish and sanf smooth with 600 wet or dry sand paper.Although the guide location may change after the new concept is used.Then I would tint the permagloss with testors model paint pigment(the little bottles in the modle dept ,let settle and pour off the clear stuff and use the rest).I`m sure some others will have a better idea.Thats what is great here you get to make your own choice of all the ways to do it.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Dan, Did you get the responses frpm your last post before it was pulled??

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!!

No... But I finally got a legal name!! :-)

Dan, Where are the "chips"? if at all possible, try to end up with a guide close enough to the chip to be able to hide it with thread. I don't see where you did anything wrong from what you said was the procedure used. In answer to your question in your last post. CP is color preserver which many builders apply to the wrap BEFORE finish in order to seal the thread and preserve the spool color.
I would strongly urge yo to get a copy of Tom Kirkmans book Rodbuilding Guide which covers the whole building process in detail with 100 pix. The best $15 you will spend on this obsession!

Also, you might want to unhide your e-mail address so that builders can respond directly to you. When someone clicks on a poster's name, it will show their e-mail address. To unhide your's (if you want to) click on MY CONTROLCENTER at the top of the message list, click on EDIT EMAIL SETTINGS and enter and CONFIRM your address.

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!!

Will do. Thanks!! Book is on its way.

Dan

I've heard that some of the St. Croix's finish is a bit touchy, too, but don't know personally. Using a bit of heat does make the epoxy lose a bit of it's bite on things and softens it also. Just makes it easier to remove. Whether it would have prevented that from happening??? I'm not sure.

Putter
Williston, ND

I just took off the guides on my spinning rod I am making so I can try and do the New Concept Guide system described in the library. This was a St. Croix SCV blank and it did the same thing. I usd heat this time and it made no difference. Still got little chips where the finished was removed by the wrapping finish. So I think my best bet is to use the process given above by Fred. Help me to understand better what to do. I think I need to buy some model paint pigment and tint permagloss with it. Is this correct? Do I mix together until it is a solid color? Do I need to rotate the rod while it dries? These are isolated spots on the blank and rotating would seem to make the problem worse. Thanks for any suggestions!!!

Dan

I called St. Croix today and they said I did not apply enough heat when removing the guides. They said that when they remove them for warranty, they use a lighter and get the guide epoxy soft. They said it doesn't hurt the rod. In fact, they bake their rods to put the finish on so I really does no harm. Just thought everyone could benifit from this.

Dan