We will be offering many fly rod grips at the 2014 ICRBE and wanted to know if there was a preference for insert cut-outs.

Leave uncut? 3/4" for half wells? 7/8" for full wells? other?

The cut-outs are easy to do but they are easiest while I still have them on the mandrel.

Input would be greatly appreciated.



Oh yeah, I'm getting pumped for the Expo already.




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Riley Rods-Hard Core Grips to Go!-----Carbon Fiber - Composite Grip Store-----Capt Mike's Blog-----No Excuses Fishing Charters

Mike, I won't be at the show this year (will miss Vicki), but as I only build fly rods, here's my input. Most of the recesses I do are 13/16" & 7/8" for the larger size reel seats.

Let me add that it seems a lot easier to build up the front of the reel seat with some tape or thread if the cutout is too big, harder to open the cutout to match the reel seat if the cutout is too small.
My suggestion would be to go for a larger size opening on the grip, and fit the various reel seats to it.
Should make your inventory control a little easier also.
Happy New Year!

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

That would work Ron
But what of the LIP that rests against the cork If the hole shows Not Quality
I would say train builders to drill the one they need I have two hole saws that I change the center drill and put in a solid shaft Use tape so it fits the hole of the cork and they fit two different seats very nicely No gaps

I find there are two different sizes ???

Bill - willierods.com

Hey Phil, Vik says hi and she'll miss seeing you this year. A majority I do are 7/8" and I personally only throw an 8wt and a 10wt with larger seats.

Ron, Inventory control is exactly what I'm trying to accomplish. I just hate to not do the recess while I have all set on the lathe and still on the mandrel.

Thanks guys!



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Riley Rods-Hard Core Grips to Go!-----Carbon Fiber - Composite Grip Store-----Capt Mike's Blog-----No Excuses Fishing Charters

Maybe you can get an idea of a couple of sizes that with a little sanding can be modified to fit the seat ???

Bill - willierods.com

Mike, I find that I can enlarge a recess that is undersize, by using a dremel tool with the "sanding drum" on Carbon fiber, cork and wood grips quite easily. So 3/4" to 13/16's should not be a problem for most builders.

The hoods on mine range from .745 to .980

Ron Weber

One of the hole saws I use to make the correct hole
I drilled into a scrap cork The fit was a tad large so I took the Outer Edge of the hole saw and filed it off so the teeth are the same size of the shaft Tried again and it fit perfect

A 3/4 and 1" hole saw should take care of those sizes
You may have to file or grind a tad off the teeth out side try on scrap first to check fit Then file if needed

Bill - willierods.com