Building my first fly rod and wanted to do something different. Wanted to try some Abalone shell. I went to one of the sponsors next door and bought this really neat kit that they make look so....... easy to use.
For most people it probably is easy, but not me. the problem that I'm having is that when I start puting it on with the heat gun and tool, it starts to crack really bad.Thought that maybe wasn't getting hot enough, so tryed again.No luck. Well that piece was wasted, time to pick new color after I get some help from the pro's.Thanks for any help I can get in advance.

woodzy.

RodMaker, Volume 12 #6 contains Kevin Knox's latest method, probably the best around, for applying abalone inlays to rods. In most instances it results in almost zero cracking of the shell. It's not the only way to do it, but it may be the best thus far.

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

Check out Anglers Envy, Kevin uses a different method that works very well, they are a sponser on the left

Man, thats what I love about this board, you fellows are Johney On The Spot. I'll look back through my issues, and chech out Anglers Envy. Thanks for the fast replys!

woodzy.

Hi Jeff,

1) Watch this video and read the instruction on this page and see if it helps:
[www.mudhole.com]

2) With the heat gun you will get small cracks. The key is to heat the abalone, not just warm but hot enough soften the abalone (moving the heat gun the whole time to keep from over heating any one spot). Then slowly burnish the abalone while rotating the rod. You may get small cracks, just push down on the abalone and keep going all the way around while heating and burnishing.

3) The small cracks that may/have developed with disappear (virtually to the untrained eye) when you put your 2 part epoxy over the abalone. Actually the cracks stay but the flat sides of the abalone that reflect the light and make the cracks appear very prevalent are covered and made not so reflective by the round surface form the epoxy takes when it sets.

4) If the cracks really bother you, you can try a vinegar soak method & boil method. Which method is best method is relative.

We hope that helps.

Regards.
Team Mud Hole Custom Tackle
Web: [www.mudhole.com]
Email: sales@mudhole.com
Toll Free Phone #: 1-866-790-RODS (7637)

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I think the best method is the one that is easiest and does not cause any cracking?

Jeff, Get up with me and I can help you out.

Kevin Knox
www.anglersenvy.com

Todd was that you giving the Abalone inlay demo? If it was great demo for beginners like me. If it is not you it still was a great demo. I thought I recognized the Tats on your arm LOL Hey the Sturgeon fishing is great on the Chehalis River. I caught a BIG through back last week 11'7" lots of fish in the 5 foot rang. Fishing HAS NOT BEEN THAT GOOD IN MANY YEARS

Good Wraps Bob