I am on my 2nd build. On my first build I used flex coat rod builders epoxy glue. This was applied with a brush and seemed very easy to work with. On my current build I am using pro bond epoxy paste. From what I understand I should let this set up longer. After 24 hrs. it seems it is pretty set to me. With the flex coat you use syringes so you know you are getting the proper mix, with the paste you are using wooden sticks. What is your guys take on these products? Is anyone better than the other one?

Thanks,
Mike

They both work and have their place. The paste tends to create less of a mess (for me) when gluing up grips and handle assy's. Sometimes it depends on how closely fitted the parts are. If every thing is dry fitted ahead of time and tolerences are close, a quicker setting liquid epoxy can be used to your advantage. Other times you might elect to use a larger reel seat (relative to the blank diameter) and build abors "on the fly". Then the slower setting, thicker paste, can give you the required time and gap filling ability required.

Use what works best for you in a given situation. There is no right and wrong. We are blessed to have choices....even if it makes our brain hurt trying to pick the right one:)

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I use paste (Rod Bond) for reel seats, etc. I use liquid (FC 5-minute) for epoxy ramps. As Russ mentioned, each has its place in the arsenal ... along with other glues and epoxies.

I use both. I like to use U 40 rod bond when I am installing a reel seat on a surf rod or offshore rod where I have had to build tape arbors. I use Flex Coat glue for everything else. I also use a brush and brush on the glue to a rod blank and then slide the grip down. I use Titebond III most of the time for gluing cork rings. However, a couple of days ago I used FC Glue to make a grip and I turned the grip today. You can't see the glue lines. I have a set of the Pro Bond that a local store owner gave me to try but I have not tried it yet. With the U 40 I use some old spoons to measure the components. I then scrape as much out with some plastic sticks that I have. I have never had anything come loose doing that and some of my rods get a workout in the surf with sharks.

I use Rod Bond for seats arbors, handles and extensions Tip tops 5 - Min flex coat. Once in a while I use Quick Bond same as Rod Bond but sets faster maybe for seats arbors make sure it is market so it does not set be fore aliened.

Bill - willierods.com

I assume you're talking about epoxy adhesive and not epoxy thread finish.

............

Yes I am talking about the epoxy adhesive. I used a flex coat thread finish on my threads on my first rod and am planning on using that on this rod.
I am thinking about putting in some thread inlays on the grip. If I do, I plan on putting a coat of thread finish on the cork, just the inlay and putting the threads in place and then put on enough finish to bring it up to the level of the rest of the cork. How would you guys suggest that I get a perfectly round inlay cut? I do not have a rod lathe. Is this the correct way to do something like this?

If you have a drill you have a lath

Bill - willierods.com

If you have a drill you have a lath Look at the Photo Page for home made equipment

Bill - willierods.com

i have all three.... pro bond, rod bond, flex coat, i like pro and rod bond. i use them both... the pro bond is more better for sliding down small i.d. grips as its more of a lubricant then the rod bond. not a big fan of the flex coat.. good for buttcaps and winding checks... and epoxy ramps. never lost a grip sliding down with pro or rod bond, but have got some stuck with the flex coat. choose what you like. its more of a preference.

How long does rod bond take to set?

Hello Ken

It says 1 hour but I usually give it two.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.