Looking at some blank exposed seats with multiple cut-outs. They look nice, but also look like the clean-up after gluing could be a pain. Any thoughts on seats of this type? Don't see any way of gluing them well, without having to do clean up at each blank exposed spot.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

Marc,
Yes, the installation of reel seats with multiple cuts outs are a pain.
One way to ease the pain a bit is to use 15 minute epoxy, rather than 5 minute epoxy.

The longer cure time makes it easier to clean up any excess glue.

I just use alcohol and a tooth brush to remove any excess glue. Of course it helps you, if you only put on sufficient glue for the application, rather than a bunch of extra glue that needs to be removed after the installation.

Be safe

Marc,

They can be a little more challenging to get cleaned up after gluing; but don't worry about it. Like Roger says, use a toothbrush and alcohol to clean up the most of the epoxy. I then use a paper towel soaked in alcohol to clean up the excess and then come back with a Q-Tip and clean around the edges. I use U-40 Fast Cure and don't have any problems with cleaning them up. Just get on them fast. If you have to rotate the reel seat to get it line up as you want, make sure you go back and check for a little epoxy that might have been exposed around the edges of the cut outs.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

A fairly tight, dry fit will go a long way toward making the install easier. If your seat-to-blank fit is slightly lose the seat will want to move during clean-up. Even a small bit of movement will require you to clean the "windows" again...and again. I have been known to get close to the perfect fit on the small side and ream the seat just a whisker to get the firm fit I need. Be careful not to burr the edges of the window(s). Roughing up the ID of the seat will also provide a better bond.

Mark one suggestion I would have is to use a gel epoxy instead of liquid. That has been the easiest I have found to clean up and with ample time to do the same. It shows up better than liquid as well. The only draw back is its time constraints.

The gel types certainly won't run or seep out of the assembly and you have the option of the quick setting 10-15 minute type or the 2-hour type.

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

Alcohol can thin the epoxy and cause it to seep out. I found it best to wipe with lint free paper towels (Kimberly Clark Scott Shop Towels) and keep the alcohol away until the ROD BOND starts to set.

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