I recently purchased a 12'' graphite tube (.980" ID) from Mudhole for use on my next rod (Cabela's Fish Eagle GL764) and I have a few questions. First, what kind of arbor works best with this type of handle and what is the minimum OD that should be used. I was thinking that a set of Flex-Coat polyurethane reel seat arbors in size 24 (.930" OD x 4.75") would work. I want the finished handle to be 10" long, so it will be necessary to cut 2 inches off of the tube. What is the preferred method for cutting graphite tubing? I am debating whether I should use my dremel tool with a cut-off wheel or a hacksaw. I am tempted to use my miter saw but I doubt that its wood cutting blade is suited for this task.

An abrasive cut-off wheel works fine. Very good actually.

You might want to use Flex Coat size 26 arbors if you can get them that large, and turn them slightly to fit.

...........

I think the the Batson tubing has the same ID and Batson has arbors to fit.

I used a cut-off wheel and I also used making tape over the cut area to help minimize any chance of chipping or flaking. Worked great!

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

I bought a couple of arbor blanks....1 1/2-inch square foam blocks that are about 12-inches long. (Dimensions are approximate). I cut off a piece and turn to fit as needed.

If you use masking tape, be sure to coat all tape surfaces with epoxy to keep moisture out.

Les

I just finished checking some of the sponsor's sites for the Batson arbors and I could not find them. However, Mudhole carries size 26 graphite arbors that should work. Each one is 1 inch long so I would guess that it would take 4 or 5. Since these arbors have a 1.00" OD, I will have to turn them down slightly. I don't have a lathe, so I guess that I will have to glue on the arbors and then either sand or file them down while turning the rod by hand.

Ben,

This might work or not...if you don't have a lathe...could you use a mounted drill? There are some pictures of this somewhere on the forum.

...in the past I have put an arbor (or cork ring) on a quarter-inch threaded rod or carriage bolt and used various size washers to get the correct diameter (or close to it).

Find two washers for the diameter you want or close to it. Put one washer on the bolt/rod, then your arbor, then the other washer. Secure with a wing nut. Use a sanding block to sand down to the edges of the washers. It does a very good job and works just like a lathe would. I'm not sure if quarter-inch washers (the hole in the middle) come in the size you want. I suppose you could trace a circle (using a template) on some rigid cardboard or thin plastic and make a washer to use also.

Another thing I have done is use a circle template and draw circles on the ends of the arbor, centered on the hole. I sand down to the line with a sanding block. It gave me a good general reference point for when I was close to the diameter I wanted. I test fit the piece often to check my progress.

Just get as close as you can and let the Rod Bond do the rest. You'll be great!

I've wanted to build on a graphite tube but have not done it yet. Good Luck!

Les

Ben,
If you happen to have a bunch of pit filled cork lying around - i.e poor quality cork with a bunch of pits etc. this makes an excellent arbor.
Easy to turn, and the pits hold plenty of glue for an excellent bond.
If you happen to have a poor quality or scrap cork handle, that also makes a good arbor. Simply turn it down to the size of the inside diameter of the tube and ream the inside to fit the blank and glue it up.

Take care
REW

next time you place any orders check and the supplier will sell you what you need, like those arbors. Just ask. make a list before ordering.

Bill - willierods.com