I have seen some pics of reel seats that are marbled and look really good. I'm doing a red white and blue themed rod and am looking for some advice on how one marbles a reel seat. I use PB minima's and Fuji ACS seats. What do you do to keep finish out of the slot for the reel, do you tape the threads off, does the finish coat evenly on uneven surfaces such as a reel seat, do you finish on the rod or separate? Any suggestions on red white and blue tiger. I'm thinking white and blue bottom and red on top with blue eva grips.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/22/2011 08:17PM by Brandon Gay.

We did a pretty detailed article on this in an earlier issue of RodMaker. Depending on what you want to achieve and what type seat you use, it can be very easy or somewhat involved. Remember that any epoxy applied to an existing seat results in a larger diameter at the barrel which can affect the reel foot fit in the hoods. Per the article, you can reduce the OD of the barrel on most seats, be they wood or aluminum, and then perform the marbling.

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I have turned them down on the lathe and the added a wrap of thread and marbled over that. It was on straight graphite seat and only did the center section.[www.rodbuilding.org]

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/22/2011 05:04PM by Fred Yarmolowicz.

Well, I don't have access to the article and the points made by Tom are some of the questions I have about this project. If there is anyone willing to share their technique or even some hints from the article, I would greatly appreciate it.

Well, if you have some old reel seats lying around with different styles, I suggest you do like most that dont have access to alot of literature and well go back to old school trial and error before you go to town on the rod your building. I find that you learn more that way. and well you can see the results and learn from them first hand. This way you have a better basis and understanding for the next time and times ahead to this project you have embarked on. Post pics on your results and definately post on the things you learned. I wish the best of luck. Seems like a very cool idea!

Thanks Andrew, but isn't this forum for sharing techniques? Surely someone here will help me out. I hope this is not some secret that only subscribers to RM for the last several years are allowed in on. I know I can figure this out on my own, but I do have some questions before starting off on this venture. I don't really want to practice to many times on seven dollar real seats. Fred, thanks for your reply, but I'm using Pac Bay Minima's and Fuji ACS's Yours looks great. I've seen some cool pics of them before so I know it's possible.

I agree, but sometimes the best techniques are the ones you figure out on your own your own. Thus the reason how those techniques are developed into some of the results you have seen. But let me see if I might be able to tackle your issue. After reading your post, it sparked my curiosity and I took a look at several reel seats I have lying around. Tape off the threads. I use ProKote medium build as my finish, so apply your first coat just thin enough that you can start the process(while the reel seat is turning), remember your finish is only going to go where you apply and push the finish, as far as ProKote is concerned. Go thin on the amount of color, you dont want too much build up, because this will cause issues with the reel actually inserting into the hoods of the reel seat. But it appears to me that your first application of finish is whats going to make or break this project, and then how well you can apply the color to keep it even. Now what I would do if there is too much build up on the face of the reel seat, is lightly wet sand the face of it till the reel foot can slide into place in the hood. It shouldn't affect any the color too bad if at all. Becareful not to get the finish into the void of the hood. I hope this puts you on the right track. Sorry if its not the answer your looking for.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 05:01PM by Andrew Cake.

Brandon, you can always order the back issue for about the same $ as a reel seat.