I am ordering a size 17 Fuji PTS reel seat and the corresponding carbon insert and am wondering about what to use as an arbor to attach it to the rod. I'd like to use a "shim-style" arbor as that is what I've used in the past, but I'm not sure what size to order since there is the carbon tube in there. The blank I'm working on is a Light power so it is a small diameter. I'm sure this is simple, but I haven't worked with one of these before. If anyone has any experience with this and can help me out by pointing me in the right direction of what to order, or offering an alternative solution that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Chris



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2019 09:52PM by Chris Jaenke.

I’m sure the pros have a better way, but I’ve always just made tape arbors to get the insert snug on the blank. I use epoxy paste to glue the insert to the tape arbors then use the same paste to glue the reel seat to the carbon fiber insert.

It depends on the amount of space you need to take up. For very small differences, it's possible to bore any of the rigid foam arbors to very fine tolerances, although this is best done by boring on a lathe. Otherwise, you can use fiberglass drywall tape and gel epoxy. That latter works quite well and is easy to do.

For larger spaces, the rigid foam arbors are hard to beat.

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

the simple thing to do is to use masking tape arbors with a slight gap between the rows of tape to completely seal the tape in epoxy when you glue on the reel seat. Simple, quick and a forever build.

Good luck

I certainly agree with Tom, drywall tape or foam arbors. About the only things I use for reel seats any more. The dry wall tape is inexpensive (cheaper than masking tape or foam arbors) very light, and give great adherence with epoxy due to the mesh.
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Norm

With all the great products and materials we have access to in this craft.
I don't understand why any custom builder would use masking tape as an arbor.

Steve,
In a word. Masking tape is convenient and works just as well as anything else, especially for thin arbors.

Be safe

not on any rod I build!

Steve,
That is the wonderful thing about custom rod building. A custom rod builder can use any components that he/she wish to build the rod that they care to build.

Take care