Trying to complete my sons flyrod and the red cedar that I'd hoped to use for the insert continues to have hairline cracks after its been turned? I believe the wood is dry, has anyone used cedar for an insert with similar issues? Maybe I should find a more stable wood, question for the flyrod builders here - what types of wood do you prefer to use with a light colored honey/yellow blank? Thought about a stained curly maple, but not sure? Is there a good source for turning wood you could recommend?
Thanks,



Tim

[www.reelseatblanks.com]

Regards
Dave

Fishing is Life the rest is just Details

off the top of my head, spalted maple or box elder burl would look nice

If you use CA glue to finish it will usually fill and bond fine hairline cracks. I sometimes use the thinnest CA as a first coat to prevent or repair fine cracks and then use the final finish of my choice.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Tim,

I have had better results using Redwood for inserts than cedar, in fact have built a number fly rods for myself and others using redwood. If you don't have a source I would be glad to send you a piece, 1-1/4" x 2-3/4' x 8-3/4" if you would email me you mailing address. It is the only piece that I have left until I make another trip to the Oregon coast and I can get more.

Bob Crook
La Pine, OR
crookbob@msn.com

Tim,
A couple of ideas came to mind as I read your post. First you could fill the fractures with Cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) and then sand the insert down. Second, a piece of curly maple which is a light cream color, would make a very nice insert of grip. If you coated it with Tru-Oil, it would take on an amber hue and would work nicely with the blank you are using.

As far as finding sources, I find my wood at a specialties hardwood lumber dealer. Very often you can get small pieces that are left over from larger projects at very low prices--particularly if there are a lot of upscale homes being built in your area. If you don't have a table saw, the dealer can cut the pieces into appropriate sized pieces for turning. I make it a point to visit my dealer every week or two just to see what scraps he has left over. The most I've paid was $6.00 for a piece of maple burl from whihch I was able to get two fly rod grips and two reel seat inserts. You have to be persistent, because the dealers don't always have what you are looking for. Good luck.

Mike Blomme

Stan has some sound advice for fine cracks. I use super glue as the finish and can tell you it's a very good wood filler (bonding) as well. If you are looking for a stabilized or un-stabilized wood, Reel Seat Blanks a sponsor on the left has some very nice blanks for inserts (and larger pieces) at a reasonable price. I have always liked the splated woods, but have an affinity for the maples, especially a figured bird’s eye maple. It's just something about the knots that give it a warm feel.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2008 06:03PM by mark blabaum.

www,woodturnerscatalog.com is a pen makers supplier, they have every type of wood and synthetic you can imagine, there's a bit of waste as pen blanks are 5" long, but they have nice material at reasonable prices.
john

you should follow stan's and mark's advice on using the ca. it will fill the cracks and voids well and will strengthen the piece. you can sand the piece while the ca is still wet and the sanding dust will mix and you may not be able to see the cracks. it just depends on the piece. i highly recommend reelseatblanks (sponsor) for your wood purchases. they understand what rodbuilders need and have some fantastic woods both stabilized and unstabilized. they have great service and will do anything they can to help you. they are assisting me on a nonrodbuilding project in obtaining some dyed wood that i have been unable to find anywhere

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice, Steve with Reelseats.com has offered to help me out with a piece of Butternut burl. Nice to see such great people here.


Tim

Steve at Reelseatblanks.com (on the left) is graet to deal with and has BEAUTIFUL stabilized woods. He also is now carrying larger material (1 1/2" dia) for grips/trim rings. It's not on the site yet, but just give him a holler!

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!!