I was wondering if anyone knows if surgical tape could be used to build the arbors for a reel seat instead of masking tape? It is kind of woven together and seems as though the adhesive would have more to grip to, but I dont know how well it would hold up over a long time. Has anyone used it or knows if it could be used? What type of adhesive works best, as far as set up time? Is there one I can pick up at Lowes? I know a two part epoxy is a must.

Thanks for the Help!
Todd Blanton

Todd I have never used surgical tape for building up under a seat. It would probably be better than masking tape if it's the cloth type. Drywall fiberglass seam tape, mesh type, is the best and a foam arbor is better than that. For glue I use Rod Bond, nothing better in my opinion, it stays where you put it. If I'm installing an exposed blank seat I always use 2000 lb two part Devcon epoxy from Wallyworld or Lowes. I would not use a 5 minute epoxy for installing regular reel seats. Rod Bond is easy to clean up and I need the extra time for making sure it is lined up properly, or I haven't put it on backward or upside down . It's been done before !

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

If it is done properly, totally encased in epoxy, it will hold for sure! If it works for you, go for it.

Remember, there is always more than one way to do something.

Marc

I don't like tape as an arbor because tape is fluid. Tape with epoxy doesn't have a lot of shear strength. Tape moves. Epoxy doesn't penetrate tape, it only encapsulates it. (Drywall tape is different). Use a good solid arbor. You'll get a better result.

As far as glue, I recommend Rod Bod. Gives you a lot more working room. I personally use Devcon or FlexCoat 5 minute adhesive only as a challenge to myself.

I use A or D size thread. Wrapped in a diamond pattern. If the D thread does not take up the space, get a larger arbor.

As far as I'm concerned tape arbors don't hold anything to anything. I use masking tape, but only to snugly fit and center the reel seat to the blank. The void between the arbors, stuffed with Rod Bond are what I feel secure the reel seat to the blank. I usually leave at least a 1" gap between all of my tape arbors, then pack the voids with Rod Bond as I install the reel seat. Once the epoxy sets-up I think the tape is pretty much irrelevant. Remember to properly prep the blank and inside of the reel seat for good adhesion.

Todd... Some thoughts on reel seat installation based on building freshwater fly rods... Basic two-part rod builder's epoxy (Flex Coat or similar products) and masking tape are excellent for installing reel seats for most rods. (Just ask anyone who has tried to remove a reel seat installed with these products.) They're inexpensive, readily available, and clean up is easy with rubbing alcohol. Masking tape and rod builder's epoxy is certainly not a "cheap" approach in terms of quality and strength. Remember that the tape is more or less a dam for the epoxy (in addition to being a bushing to keep the seat centered on the blank.) Regards, Vance

Using the same logic as you, I tried surgical tape as an arbor on a couple of butt gimbals. It did not work! It looked as thought there was a chemical incompatibility between the adhesive on the tape and the epoxy, as the epoxy never really hardened.