I'm working on a project; a bamboo spey rod. I would like to use a wood insert reel seat, preferrably with dark Nickel Silver or titanium hardware, with a .680 id. Any suggestions are appreciated!

I also need an agate look stripping guide set: sz 20, 16, and 12.

Not agate "look"........ agate!

I build a lot of custom fly rod reel seats, however I cannot find a fly rod reel seat that will accommodate a wood insert with an ID of .680 in. If you can find the reel seat I can probably turn the insert for you.

You should also check with J.P. Timberlake of this site, he may be able to help you.

Since you are building on bamboo - you COULD turn down the shaft to fit any number of "window" reel seats and let the bamboo shaft be the insert. I just did this myself on a 14' bamboo spey rod. Basically I worked "bottom up". I turned down the butt section to accommodate an American Tackle window skeleton seat and poured epoxy to fill the windows then built the lower cork grip below the reel seat to fit the turned down diameter of the bamboo. After that I set the cork fore grip

There is an obscure Struble XX Large Fly/Spin reel seat , the SF24MM. Anglers Workshop, I believe, still has some. Can no longer find my info on the OD and ID, so you'll have to call.

REC SWAUC seat uses a standard bore of 0.690" I don't know if it is available as just a skeleton though. It is aluminum.

Lane

steve runyan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I also need an agate look stripping guide set: sz
> 20, 16, and 12.

Not agate "look"........ agate!


I'd prefer "agate" to agate look, but can't find any true agate past a size 12.

The idea of turning the bamboo down to be the skeleton insert is a good one. Then something like the Batson A8l2 or RA8.5L2 could work. Both available in a "gusmoke" finish.

Some guides are being made from Agateen . Check with Golden Witch. I believe the Agateen is sold through Mildrum. I don't know if the agateen is available in larger sizes. You might have to consider silicon carbide which is an excellent guide, but lacks the romanticism of agate. Agate is a rather heavy and fragile natural stone. I have a set of spinning guides dating from the 1960s made from agate and they are quite heavy. Good luck with your search.

Mike Blomme

Ken can you post some photos of that I would love to see it! Thanks

Eric (and anyone else). Photo posted under seats and handles.

[www.rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2010 02:09PM by Ken Preston.

Steve:

Check Struble. Up to 20mm.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Talked to Angler's they have a beautifully figured wood / german silver U-23 that they said would fit.

Steve, call me when it's done. I want to see it!