I would like to try building some rods without fore grips and was wondering what is used to plug the top of the reel seat so you don't see all the glue inside.
Thanks
John

Do a search here on "epoxy ramps". You can either do that, or if you're lucky, your blank and seat will work with a standard Hosel size (big, conical winding check), which you just slip on then cover with finish.

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Stand the rod on end, fill with 5min epoxy LEVEL only, do not over fill, warm the epoxy to get it to flow down into the seat if needed and it usually is unless you're in a very warm climate. Now you can paint the end black and put a coat of finish over it. OR you can build epoxy ramps:

Here's my process, short and sweet:
Sand rod and edge of reel seat with 400grit paper the entire length where the ramp will be located, wipe clean
Mix 5 or 30 minute flex-coat rod building epoxy, about 2cc's of each part
Place rod in dryer and begin rotating
Dab mixed epoxy onto blank with brush and work it up to the reel seat edge
Add as much epoxy and you can to that area and still keep it there as you "work" the epoxy to keep it in place as the rod is turning.
As the epoxy starts to thicken slightly, get the ramp as even as possible with the brush.
When ramp starts to stay in place on it's own leave it alone.
While the rods spinning mix another 2cc's and repeat process, in this application the ramp will really start to take a nice shape, when it does and starts to thicken again, LET IT BE, the dryer will "even out" the ramp FOR YOU (warming the epoxy a touch with a lighter at this stage can help thin it and smooth out a ramp IF it needs it).
While the ramp is evening itself out as the rod turns, mix your last batch of 2cc's and repeat. This 3rd epoxy step is NOT always needed!!! Depends upon how well you did with your 1st 2 coats.
Keep in mind that you WANT to leave a little room for thread or paint that will go on the ramp AS WELL AS two coats of finish epoxy!! So your ramp should be a tad SHY of coming to the edge of the reel seats LOWEST POINT.....meaning: that cut straight line that the hood rides inside, you don't want epoxy in that gully at all, it will imped the hoods movement-not good!
Once ramp is built and still warm, wrap it with thread or paint it right then, the softer epoxy in the next hour + holds the thread nicely or allows the paint to soak into the epoxy well: both are GOOD
Now lay two coats of finish over your ramp-you're done!

[i128.photobucket.com]

[i128.photobucket.com]

DR



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2008 04:01PM by Duane Richards (DR).

Sure is nice when the seat fits the blank at the front of the seat then here is no arbor space in the front of the seat - go figure - then none needed at all - ICRBE !

Gon Fishn

i use reel seats with ribbed on the inside, the end where the threads are, you dont have to fill the end up with epoxy, just make sure you get glue on the ribs. then get a rubber winding check, ive even used a o ring that fits snug, epoxy over that. thats just what i do, but if your going to the show go see bill stevens he can get you going in the right direction

BIC doug



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2008 04:22PM by Doug Blacklock.

I buy and use seats that either fit tight to the blank or have to be reamed out some to fit tight (bait casters).

Shorten them up some by removing excess hood threads leaving about ¼” more then what I need.

After that I bevel the seat to the blank. No arbors, no ramps, nice neat clean joint and most important for me; No additional weight.

Just my 0.02... John, as a possible variant, you can try NPS-type reel seat mounted the ways you can see on the photos from the links below:
[rockit.spin-review.ru]
[rockit.spin-review.ru]

Pavel,
Moscow, RU

I was just over to St. Croix Rods in Park Falls, Wi yesterday.
I was looking at their new tournamanet rods. They are using a no fore grip reel seat, with a split back grip on these rods.

For the front of the reel seat, they are using a machined aluminum washer, that does a very nice job of finishing off the front of the reel seat. If you have a lathe, it is a very easy thing to make for the front of the rod.

You can also use an oversized thread winding check, and trim to fit the front of the reel seat.

Another easy option is to take a piece of EVA material, and sand and shape it to a very thin tapered piece to nicely finish off the front of the reel seat.

Take care
Roger

thanks for the tips I will have to give them a try when my stitches come out