Seen a couple posts lately about abalone veneers. So figure I would post my results experienced last week..

Now keep in mind I am a plain jane rod guy... RARELY do I do anything "artistic". But the new stuff from Angler's Envy is INCREDIBLE in application ease and appearance.

I used the old stuff with the vinegar soak, and had ok results. This stuff... wow... I had the application done in 7 minutes including the water soak on the first attempt. Massive profit maker,

One thing I noticed - Kevin said at the Expo that you didn't need to worry about the seam overlap as much. I found it you cut the piece of abalone long ways - that is with the strips on the inlay - the seam just about completely disappears and just looks like one of the seams between the strips to make the sheet (hope that makes sense!). It stands out a bit if you "cross cut" the inlay piece. (Kevin probably mentioned this and will tell me how great I paid attention)

Regardless - here's my results. [www.rodbuilding.org] Also - this is a on a popping blank - small diameter butt - much tighter bend than a big fat butt. I think the reel seat had to be a 10.5 to give you some idea. Point being - no cracking or anything even with tight of a bend radius.

-----------------
AD

looking good brotha.

That looks good Alex. I've tried messing with abalone a few times and that stuff has absolutely kicked my butt every time. I finally gave up and bought a kit and scanned it lol. I know it won't look exactly the same but I am now boycotting abalone lol. The scanning lesson cost me a freakin fortune. Maybe 1 day I'll try it again.

David Page
E-town, KY.

Anyone tried the opaque veneers from @#$%&? or are they the same? Look ok to me, purchased some to try.

The @#$%& flexible veneers are different. They are more of a natural/raw abalone color to them and they have a very thin PVC clean film over them (if I remember the description of them). This thing PVC tends to crack and craze and is slightly visible. It doesn't have the depth of the other stuff. I've started using Anglers Envy Tachy-MOP and have been very happy! Easy to apply and looks great and in several colors!

Nice job Alex!
I just got my order from Kevin in the mail yesterday, can't wait to try this stuff out! Thanks for the info!

Timothy Johnson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The @#$%& flexible veneers are different. They
> are more of a natural/raw abalone color to them
> and they have a very thin PVC clean film over them
> (if I remember the description of them). This
> thing PVC tends to crack and craze and is slightly
> visible. It doesn't have the depth of the other
> stuff. I've started using Anglers Envy Tachy-MOP
> and have been very happy! Easy to apply and looks
> great and in several colors!

Thanks for the info, ill test first!

Alex; I have tried all three versions of Abalone veneers but the New stuff is absolutely Great. Very Easy to work with

Looks good AD! You've inspired me to try it on my wife's new rod.

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

hi , i've never used veneer before, so my question is what do you use to adhere the veneers thatr don't have self adhesive backing?