8' - 4wt-2pc Stream Stalker Tom Morgan designed these blanks for Winston. He contracted J. K. Fisher to make them. Fisher made some which he sold behind Morgan's back. The only difference was a brown ferrule on Fisher's model. Morgan's had a white ferrule.
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Tom, I'll surely miss the reception as it's always a great time even without the great door prizes. Looking forward to the next RodMaker and your photos online of the event. Already thinking of seeing you at the next Expo if not sooner. Wishing you a superb ICRBE 2014!!!! David Gilberg
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Last year I pretty much slipped away from doing any rod building. Then I decided the upcoming Expo would be a great way to reignite my interest so I booked the trip. A recent health emergency put the kabosh on that plan so now I'm facing considerable down time at home. I've decided to use it well by finishing the several half-baked rods I've been ignoring way too long. I welc
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God willing I'll be arriving Friday, Feb 21 around 9AM. Looking for a ride or someone to share a cab around that time. Thanks, David Gilberg
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If you're going the conventional route it's hard to beat a Seeker Hercules LT for fluke. Fuji Alconite, Pac Bay Minimas or Amtak Virtus would all work well. I went with Minimas with the inserts and an Alps single trigger aluminum reel seat. Absolutely love the set up.
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It is a sad day, indeed. We have lost a dear friend and shining star of this Forum. Mike Barkley will be sorely missed by many for years to come.
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Sanford, I'm happy to see you agree with me about the Van Staal reels. They are awesome machines and a pleasure to use. It's great to never have to worry about the reel failing under pressure. I've done very well purchasing them on that unnamed site... both new and used. In case you wonder about the strength of the VS100 it handled a 100lb shark without a hitch. I'm also a big fan of thei
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A Van Staal VS150 (or even a VS100) would be my first choice for such a rig... if money was no object. Quantum, the parent company of Van Staal, makes the Boca and Cabo reels which should do well for you and are priced much lower. I wouldn't want a reel that weighed over 16 oz on such a light rig.
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I met Mike at several Rod Expos. I will always remember his jovial attitude and eagerness to be of assistance with any rod building question. His absence will leave a huge void both on this Forum and at all future Expos.
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I used to have problems with Gudebrod Metallic thread. The metallic "skin" would sometime crack or peel open revealing the inner support threads. Then I changed to Sulky Metallics. No more problems. I never apply pressure directly to the thread... just the spool.
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I suggest getting in touch with Don's Tackle since they specialize in surf rods and blanks and know the Hawaiian waters.
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If you unhide your email I will be able to tell you where I found some for about $10. David
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Easily the best bargain and greatest asset for anyone who loves the craft of rod building.
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I made sure to book early this time for the Embassy Suites. Last year I procrastinated too long and missed out. The Expo is my favorite event of the year.
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I made sure to book early this time for the Embassy Suites. Last year I procrastinated too long and missed out. The Expo is my favorite event of the year.
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I recommend choosing a blank which is either fiberglass composite or a thicker walled graphite like RX6. Kids can be rough on rods so it's best if the blank can take some punishment in stride.
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I second Bill's suggestion. You can also contact Hardy North America and they might be able to provide some info.
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The classic fly rod forum is a great place to start. There are also some very reputable online sellers of bamboo rods who will give fair appraisals and even sell the rod for you on consignment. The one I would recommend most highly is Len Codella.
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My work table top is at just under 30". I'm 5'7". It's 3/4" Birch faced plywood cut down to 31 1/2" X 96" mounted on a steel kitchen style shelving rack on one end and a small chest of drawers of equal height on the other. At my right side I set 96" x 24" similar table top for a computer and other things. It sits at 27 1/4" height on two similar steel
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Changing spools on the Renzetti Thread Feeder has never bothered me. It takes but a few moments even with the springs mounted outside the spools. I"m so used to it I can do it in my sleep. The same with moving the rod supports. It has become second nature. The Renzetti Lathe is really a joy to use.
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You'll need to rig up something to lock the spools in place on the two rods. I used folding wing paper clips. But it's a very poor design for the job. I quickly upgraded to a more modern modern Renzetti 8 spool model. There are several versions which let you screw down each spool individually. This is the best way to get precise tension on each spool. There's no comparison. It's world
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Sulky Metallic thread has a beautiful dark blue and is available in most craft/ sewing shops.
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I love agate stripping guides for bamboo rods but would you want an agate tip ? Lightweight modern ceramics are certainly a great advancement. I would say the computer brought the greatest advance to rod building technology as they have to just about every technology in that time frame. From material design and manufacture all the way to wholesale and retail operations as well as getting th
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Check the following link to the Batson web site for their RX 7 Switch Rod recipe. They use a fore grip of 11.75 inches.
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The winding motor and foot pedal are vital. So are extra rod supports. It comes with 2 but most use at least 4. The tool rest is favored by many. I have one but hardly ever use it. I had a laser on my older Clemens lathe but found it of little benefit in lining up the guides. A midi size wood lathe is far and away the best choice for turning grips. If you're going to delve deep in
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Barry: The new Renzetti model is called the Craftsman Rod Lathe. Joe: I frequently lay on a couch while watching TV and raising it any higher would create a poor viewing angle. I'm very happy with my decision.
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Decisions … Decisions Like many rod makers am enamored of the tools and equipment of the craft at least as much as the actual task of building rods. You could say I'm a tool man at heart. I am always happy when I get a chance to add a new tool.. especially a power tool to my workshop. Every purchase usually involves lots of thought and comparison shopping and seeking the advice of trust
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I wonder if a bumper spiral wrap would provide any benefit to these tuna rods. If nothing else it should make it easier to reposition a loaded rod to a different rod holder.
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I have two 8 foot work desks which are simply 3/4" Birch Plywood mounted on steel shelving units. They're set perpendicular to one another. The primary one is 31-1/2" wide which seems ideal to me. It serves many functions.. from rod wrapping to writing desk and even my primary dining table. ( I live alone so it's just practical for me to sit in one spot for everything.)
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Sulky Metallic thread in Prism White works great for that purpose.
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