I'm finishing an ice rod with an eva foam handle. I don't have a winding check to fit and I'm looking for ideas for making a nice transition. I have wrapped thread right up to the handle,but it doesn't cover the gap.
Thanks,
Bruce

I would recommend making an epoxy ramp. I generally use an epoxy ramp in place of a fore grip on my rods and on split grips. For smaller ramps I use Devcon 2 part epoxy. Just apply and shape it with your brush or spatula and then rub an alcohol wetted finger over the ramp when the epoxy is almost set to smooth it. For larger ramps I have found rod bond to be easier to use since it is thicker. I generally don't wrap thread on my ramps, since I love marbleizing. If you intend to wrap thread on your ramp, it might be best to wrap while the epoxy is still tacky so the thread will climb the ramp. I had a problem with this on one of my last rods. I made a ramp in place of a fore grip on a size 20 reel seat and I let the rod bond cure before wrapping. I was unable to get the thread to climb all the way up the ramp properly, since it was steep and slick. I finally resorted to painting the ramp with a nail polish that matched the thread color and finishing with flex coat.

Bruce, Why not drill out a button, poker chip, coin, or steal something from the jewelry box.Why even bother with a check,most rods today don't even have a fore grip.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Toe rings work well from maybe WalMart

Bill - willierods.com

bill boettcher Wrote:
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> Toe rings work well from maybe WalMart

Are you serious?

Yes

Depending on the blank OD in that area. It's jewelry and looks good and cheap.
Go on-line and check out rings, biker, tattoo. Some are stainless steel.

Bill - willierods.com

An Ice rod will have a OD in that point of less than .2 more than likely.

I like the idea of "drilling" somthing out or a small ramp. I have a few on the bench now and have been looking at the same thing.

You could shoot off an order for a dozen winding checks with a .15 id and solve the problem.

Roger

You could simply take a piece of rubber, vinyl, button, metal, etc. etc. etc.
Use a drill to drill a hole that matches the blank size.
Then, use a plug cutter to cut out the material with the smaller hole on the inside all ready drilled out.

For example:

[www.harborfreight.com]

I picked up a set of these a couple of years ago and use them to cut cork plugs for the ends of butt caps. They are inexpensive plug cutters but they do a fine job for this light work.

Good luck
Roger

Make sure its not snug, whatever you do. Nothing says rod failure like a snug rigid winding check!!

I have used faucet washers, some are flat and some have a tapered face. Pick the size and drill it out to fit the blank.