Hey everyone!
If you missed RodMaker mag issue 12.4 I suggest highly you order (or borrow if you can) that back issue. Within that issue is an article by J.P. Timberlake showing how he make what he calls his "Sticks & Bones" aka SBSS spinning reel seat & grip set.

The SBSS is quite easy to make and very very comfortable as well as providing one the opportunity to add some creative pizazz too.

I've been wanting to give cork checkering a shot and I liked the looks of J.P.'s design so I figured I try both new things together. It was a fun project!
My checkers could be better. I need to buy or make a more precise wedge cutter but I couldn't be happier with the construction.

I used the larger of the 2 sizes of slip rings I found that Pac Bay made and a 20mm skeleton seat instead of the usual 15mm or 16mm a lot of guys use for Ultra Light reel seats because I wanted to keep as much of the original diameter of the cork rings as I could. The more I use larger diameter spinning seats the better I like them! Here is pix. [www.rodbuilding.org]

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

That is cute. Hmm, do you think one could mix cork and EVA? Might add some interesting color.

Sure could! However, if you use mostly EVA for the seat barrel I would add a couple hard plastic, wood, acrylic, or horn accent rings so the reel sits on something more rigid than just foam.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/01/2009 01:54PM by Raymond Adams.

Great looking handle Raymond. Where did you get the blank? Are there more?
Chuck

I built one of those out of burl and aluminum accent rings on a 7'10" MHX and it feels great! From now on if I have a doubt about an Aero being too small I will use the SBSS. Unfortunately I haven't been able to finish that rod yet... or make an SBSS out of foam core/composite.

That handle is one of the most valuable things I got out of my subscription so far. Thanks Tom and J.P. Timberlake!

Nice job on that handle too, Raymond.

Steve

i am glad you like it. nice job on your handle. hope things are going well on the left coast

Thanks J.P.!

I did a split grip handle too after that one. I don't think I'll be making spinning grips any other way any more.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..