On my next project I am looking a a two peice exposed blank reel seat. my question is this, how hard it is to set these on the blank... they have to be set just the right distance apart for them to work, but what about arbors and such, or do i have to order them with exact measurements to where i set them so they fit properly?

Bobby
I'm guessing you are going to use "skeleton" reel seats = basically the top / bottom sections of a normal reel seat with the center removed? If so then the best bet is to slide the two parts onto the rod blank & get the reel (or similar reel) that you will be using on the rod to find the distance between the two halves - one half will have the screw down section to allow adjustment for the reel foot. I would use a hard foam arbor and either glue the arbors to the blank or to the inside of the two halves of the reel seat. I think this is the least messy/cleanest way to mount open center (skeleton) reel seats. Is this what you had in mind?

the ones I am looking at are made by Fuji. they are similar to the ones used on the carrot stix.. if you have seen them. From thier appearance it looks like they would need to be tight against the blank, but i dont know....

Bobby the "creating" of a two piece seat requires a little work and understanding to get it right. There are many options. If you use a Fuji you will be required to arbor the front end properly and do some trim work and fitting to be sure the distance is correct. If you purchase a two piece seat you may deal with a rear slot reel jump during use, arboring the front end and having the front foot of the reel sitting on threads. There is one more option that will provide a secure rear slot, the reel sitting on a flat and a weight reduction of approximately 30%. I would only consider this option for blanks that are 12.5 or larger - the small ones are uncomfortable in hand - take a look - note the marked "measureing stick" to get the length properly set.

These seats fit up front and require no arbor -

[www.rodbuilding.org]

If you are looking for a maximum exposure seat design take a look at the seats and suggested modifications to make a two piece.available from Swampland listed on the left.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

If you need some help use the contact us button at: [www.swamplandtackle.com]



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2009 08:48AM by Bill Stevens.

Mr. Stevens,
Thank you for your input and sharing those seats with me. I am relatively new to rod building, and am begining to see just how much i have to learn. i will play with some differant ideas, and see what i can come up with. i wanted to build one like this after seeing a Carrot Stix. I like the feel of these rods, and think i can build myself a high end rod similar to those. so i am going to be playing with differant ideas. I have a few reel seats laying around the house, so i think the dremel tool is about to be put to use now..