I put together the handle and reel seat of a camo rod, that is a rod blank with a camo laminate wrap, or at least that is what I assume it is. In cleaning the excess epoxy from the rod and reel seat with denatured alcohol, some of the camo print (design) came off the rod blank and reel seat. What was interesting was that only some of the design was removed by the alcohol. I am going to try this again and was wondering whether anyone else has had this experience and what they have done to prevent it from happening. If not, are there any suggestions to keep from ruining the rod blank and reel seat? It has been suggested to me to use isoproyl alcohol rather than denatured alcohol. Any way, your input will be appreciated. Clinton

Isopropyl is definitely less harsh than Denatured. Older St Croix blanks were very sensitive ... DNA would absolutely clean the paint right off, isopropyl wouldn't unless you really scrubbed. The best advice I can give ... 1) Try not to put glue, epoxy, etc. anywhere it isn't supposed to be. Reduce your "cleanup" to the absolute minimum possible and; 2) Whenever using a new product, always do testing. For example, you can test for a blank for colorfast wherever the grips are to be located. Even if your test solvent strips the daylights out of it ... only you will know after the assembly process. Hope this helps.

Thanks Jim. I am not sure how to slide an EVA grip into place without getting epoxy on the blank above the grip. Clinton

The easy way to install an eva grip is, tape it real good and then cut a hole in the tape before sliding it on the blank. When you get the grip on just wipe the tape off and remove it



Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

I understand taping the blank and sliding the eva over the tape, but I do not understand what it means to cut a hole in the tape. The tape is wrapped around the blank, so why cut a hole in it. Clinton

I think he means to put the tape over the hole in the small end of the foregrip. With the hole in the tape sliding down the blank as you place the grip.
Hope this helps?
Jeff

Sorry for the poor explanation.

Tape the butt section of the grip whre the hole is.


Wrap one or two bands of tape around the grip at the butt

With an Exacto knife remove the tape from the area of the grip where it slides down the blank.

Apply the Rod Bond to the blank and slide the grip down the blank. As you slide the grip down the blank, the Rod Bond will build up on the tape and not where you don`t want it


Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Got it now. I am going to try this. Thanks. Clinton

Do not know how it will react but maybe spray a clear coating over any more of those seats and even the blank to protect it. Does not sound like it is too - Durable ???

Bill - willierods.com