Has anyone every used the plastic mesh, used to seal joints in dry wall construction, as the base for reel seats.? I have used it a couple of time but now I am wondering if the bonding agents will deteriate it?

A lot of guys recomend it over masking tape. I have only used it once when the od of my blank was very close to the id of the reel seat. Usually i use urethane arbors. I cant imagine the adhesive degrading it as it is fiberglass if i remember correctly.

I use it to fill large space gaps under reel seats. It's bulletproof when packed with Rod Bond.

Agree with both previous comments. Except: I wouldn't use it if the blank and seat are quite different in diameter because it would be heavier than foam. I think there is no problem with their structural integrity. I believe foam is the best method if the diameters are such to allow its use. They can be turned from large diameter stock and sized and shaped properly can do the function of a reel seat shim and an epoxy ramp. They take paint well so can be any color you want, and thus they make a good base for a feather inlay. I usually use ivory. I'll add another post with a pic.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

This rod used a two piece foam shim which met in the middle of the reel seat. The ends of each half form the ramps.