Possibly a dumb question.... Is there any reason I couldn't use a large full length 6" graphite arbor as a handle by itself and tape the reel directly to the arbor? I fit one on and liked the look of the bare arbor.

I don't think a graphite arbor on its own is durable enough to endure the rigors a grip is exposed to. Graphite arbors tend to be porous and would easily wear from constant handling, also it will absorb fluids, goo and dirt which will encourage rot and mildew, The arbor will last longer if a sealer is used but it may change the feel of the grip.

The benefit of rod building is you can do any configuration you want because if you don't like the results you can always rework or completely change it. Try it you have nothing to lose but some time and material but that is offset by the experience you get.
Please let us know how you make out.

P.S. There are no dumb questions when learning.

Have fun
John


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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/2020 04:18PM by John DeMartini.

You could do it but would probably want to seal the outer surface to make it a bit harder. Permagloss might serve well here, or perhaps some type of urethane paint or finish.

Essentially this is what we do when we put a carbon skin over a urethane foam core - there is no magic in the carbon skin. It's just there to protect the urethane core.

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

Secondary questions...

Permagloss sounds like a good idea.

Or possibly if it were to start wearing away, do you think x flock would be enough to stabilize it?

I like thinking outside the box on stuff...



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/2020 04:30PM by Chris Burger.

I think I mentioned on your "arbors" thread Chris that I have built an ice rod with an FC06 Forecast arbor for a grip. I haven't fished it yet, but I like the look and feel of it and I have a second "arbor grip" on the lathe waiting to be turned.

The arbor would "shed" foam dust as it was handled because the surface is brittle and would flake off. I didn't want it shedding on me, and also didn't want the surface to absorb fish slime, etc. so I painted it lightly and that stabilized and strengthened the foam, while still retaining some of the "grippy" texture. It won't likely be as durable as cork or EVA, but should be fine for normal use. I used Rustoleum 2X primer, paint, and clear. Many people hydro-dip and coat them with epoxy. I'm not that artistic but that would look great - though it would have a smoother and maybe slicker surface.

If you unhide your email address I can send you a photo of the completed rod if you want.

Dan

Dan,

I just went back and re-read your post in the previous thread. I guess we really do have the same taste in ice rods!

I think I made my email address visible now.

I'm tempted to try some brush on polyester gelcoat that I have left over from some fiberglass work I did this summer.

I might end up being the guy who tries all the weird stuff around here and ends up with a bunch of strange builds (possibly nonfunctional)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/2020 05:01PM by Chris Burger.

I've gotten rid of a couple of my early rods just so they couldn't be used as evidence against me! Lol

Chris, i,m a flocking fool..so you know i did this using one of the large graphite arbors for a ice rod, not a regular rod..using the contained flocking method it,s a piece of cake to do and the grip wears like iron and can take a beating..i used the graphite colored not the flex coat yellow though they should work as well and would be lighter..i used the reinforced gorrila tape to hold the reel on, just one wrap on each foot and long enough to make.. a one inch overwrap for the tag ends which is what holds the reel..the tape will get all fuzzed up from flock but the overlap holds everything..also with flock it easier remove and reattach the reel many times using the same tape

Why not just a cane pole, line and hook? Old school minimalist.

like Lance, a cane pole, line and a #10 black zonker from a slow moving kick-boat on an old delaware grist mill pond full of white and yellow perch and 9" bluegill..lol.

I have nothing against cane poles if that's your thing but "minimalist" doesn't mean archaic or even low tech for that matter.

CFX makes a carbon fiber reel seat insert for skeleton reelseats. It is basically a arbor with carbon fiber skin. Extremely durable.

I am building a minimalist tiny trout stream rod. For the handle I as using the CFX insert. A section of reelseat thread on each end. Then Fuji SK2 hood. The rear and fore grip will both tighten onto the reel foot. I am cutting the seat threads back to just what I need to get a couple turns onto the reel foot. The mockup looks and feels great. Weighs almost nothing decent size grip and securely holds the reel.

Chris, in some circles all you need to do is ty a fly on the end of your line and you can call it high tech..lol.