This will be my first surf rod build and got a couple of questions. I should have researched more before i ordered the shrink tube but i had planned to put the shrink tube directly on the blank. Then i read that you should have something between the blank and the shrink tube. I got some cork tape now and my questions is do i put the reel seat on first and run the cork tape up to the reel seat or cork tape first then put the reel seat over the cork tape then the shrink tube. When i run the shrink tube up to the real seat what do i use to cover where the wrap and reel seat butt against each other, a short thread wrap or some kind of winding check. Any help or photos greatly appreciated.

Roger
Greensboro, NC

Reel seat First ,cork tape next. I use a short (1/4" wrap) black thread you can use epoxy sparingly on the cork tape under the shrink at the ends for security

Here's something else you can consider. You can make the under-cord "X's" closer together or farther apart, up to you.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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Thanks Barry & Tom. Just what i was looking for.

Roger, you may like the feel better with cork tape as you've mentioned but ultimately you don't have to have it. There is nothing wrong with putting the shrink tubing directly over the blank if that is the look and feel that you want. I prefer wrapping the blank first as shown in Tom's link for a sense of texture under the grip but it's is all up to you. That's the beauty of it.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

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