I have always done woodwork of different kinds before deciding to build my own rods so I naturally look to wood when problem solving. I recently found that an old pool cue, which are usually a very hard maple, has many uses in rod building. I needed a winding check that would transition a roughly 1" handle to a 3/4" reel seat. I found the section of cue that met those measurements and used drills to create the inner diameters and step down. I cut it to length (3/4"), and sanded a round end. It looked so good against the cork, I don't think I'll wrap it, rather butt the wrap up against it. Now the question. Being a newbie, I don't know what I don't know. Is there any negative side to this. I know it is time consuming and one can buy something to meet this need, but it's my rod and I like having a part of it out of an old pool cue because that is my other passion. Thoughts?

Hello Danny.

Just don't make it too tight or you might break your rod if you get a fish that bends far enough into the rod that the check binds.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

P.S. Don't forget about wood swelling due to getting wet.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/05/2020 11:36AM by Robert A. Guist.

Sounds like it will be a very nice winding check. I see no problems.
Norm

Made many wood winding checks, look great and hold up well if sealed well.

Do it an enjoy , will last many years , just take care of your work , as I see it

William Sidney
AK

I plan to seal it with epoxy and it will be below the reel seat. Thanks for the confirmation.

Just for fun, take a look at a catalogue for pool and billiard supplies. Lots of stuff to use in rodbuilding.

Sounds like a great idea. You should be taking orders for custom winding checks!