I finally got my latest Rodmaker issue! Great stuff in there regarding the simple approach to C.C.S. And a very special thanks to J.P. Timberlake for the custom reel seats, this is a wonderful option if one is not satisfied with what's available on the market today.

Here's my question...Where can I get the SBSS components? RBO search and Google haven't helped me out on this.
Thanks,

Steve



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/04/2009 12:29AM by Steve Johnson.

Steve,
I think the article listed the parts. I think the slip rings used on a tennessee handle, and the threaded section of a skeleton seat, or a section cut from a seat were listed and the different sizes that were available.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2009 03:08PM by Spencer Phipps.

It's covered on the second page under "Materials." Pretty common stuff available from a variety of suppliers.

............

Ha!, I got it now. I was excited and missed the materials section I guess. Should have realized it was just a slip ring. Thanks Tom & Spencer.

Steve

J.P. was kind enough to show me the ropes on this grip/reel seat this summer. He had it on a spinning rod and I couldn't figure out how it was made-usually I can look at something and approximately replicate it quickly because it is just a variation on a common process. This was different-it drove me crazy trying to imagine how it was constructed so I had him send me the components (pre-made but unassembled) and it still took several tries before I got it right. The hardest part was getting the "flattened section" correct as far as angle and length so the reel foot would fit smoothly and snugly. After about 3 close attempts, I got the process down-and it is a process. Once you get it down, it will always work correctly. I have built several new rods with this seat and just finished re-doing an old green St. Croix 8-foot spinning rod (replacing a thick heavy cork grip with a full length handle instead of a split grip-I have never seen a customer so amazed at how light the rod was and how great it looked.
Folks-If you try this, it will be hard to use anything else-it's light as a feather (especially split-grips), it's comfortable, it's bulletproof, you can offer it in any color of carbon fiber and it just looks cool. I've had 4 or 5 orders this week from fishermen who saw my customer's re-built spinning rod. The best thing is that you can charge a premium price because the customer can't get anything like it anywhere. I'm charging $150.00 just for the grip/seat and with the materials and time, I've got about $20.00 bucks in it. For a part-time builder like myself, being able to get $350 for a spinning rod built on a $50 (at most) blank is quite sweet. Give this a try and you'll have customers begging to have one. David Spence, Cape Custom Rods, Beaufort, NC

David wish I would have known you were in Beaufort. I was just there - same weekend as the Pirate Invasion!

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It is a nice handle/seat. Should fill the hand really well. Very minimalist look to it as well.

David Spence Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm charging
> $150.00 just for the grip/seat and with the
> materials and time, I've got about $20.00 bucks
> in it. For a part-time builder like myself, being
> able to get $350 for a spinning rod built on a $50
> (at most) blank is quite sweet.

Congratulations!

But I feel obligated to offer a little friendly advise.

Perhaps you should temper your enthusiasm. We live in the information age and this is a very popular site. If your current customer doesn't read your remarks, future customers might.