Quantum has some very nice reels suitable for this rig at substantially lower cost that the ones mentioned above. Their reels are built well and work great. You can save some serious money, too.
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Flex Coat Concept Reverse Pilot Bit Mudhole has them as do other of the sponsors. Dave
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Thank you for your sobering account of the realities of the fly rod mfg business. I am very grateful for your frankness. Nothing is as refreshing as the truth. Dave
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I think leather would be heavier than cork but you could build it on a foam arbor. Several coats of Tru Oil or some other ought to make it sufficiently water resistant if not fully waterproof for fishing. Why not give it a try and let us see the results. Knife making suppliers would be my first guess as a source. Some have been mentioned here in the past.. so run a search (use the ALL DATES opti
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Many party and charter boats need repair work done at the end of each season. This is a good way to get some business. Spend time at the active marinas and get to know the captains. Good work at reasonable prices will get you noticed. Dave
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St. Croix Legend Elite SCV EC60MF or CTS (check with dealer for model) Either way you should be more than happy. Dave
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I used to tie the Dry Wall Tape with D or E thread to keep it's shape intact. The Foam Arbors are all I use now. Much easier to work with. Dave
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Ronnie and Walt, I'll be looking to say hello to you guys at the next ICRBE. The bad weather cancelled my flight in 2007 so I plan to drive down next year. Lots of space in the Explorer for stuff!! Dave
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Ronnie, There are many things that make this web site better than any other I have ever found. Not only is this a storehouse of constantly updated information and discourse on the craft of rod building; the Forum exemplifies the attitude of generous sharing. Your experience is the norm here. Aside from the many professionals who serve the needs of this craft the rest of the names you see here
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Which CP works best on Madeira? Has Gudebrod fixed the problems with their 811? Dave
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Lamiglas Ron Arra blanks will work well for this. XRA 102 2M ... 8'6" ... 1/2 - 2oz ... Blank weight 4 1/2 oz XRA 108 3-2 ... 9' .... 3/8 - 2 1/4 ... Blank weight 5 1/2 oz If you want an even lighter blank look into the CTS line. I don't think you'll find any blanks thinner or lighter than theirs. The Lami's go for almost $200 ea and the CTS will be more but you'll have
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Titebond III or earlier versions work fine for this. Thin coats of glue and proper pressure will create a secure bond with no discernible glue line. Dave
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Lynn, That is downright unfair! Dave
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I use a 2oz Ecko measuring spoon as my cup. I pour out the mixed epoxy onto aluminum foil and leave the ball bearing in the cup. Then I fill the cup with Isopropyl Alcohol and let it soak while applying the finish. When done I wipe out the cup and complete cleaning it and the bearing. It just takes a minute. I haven't forgotten yet ... but that remains a possibility. Dave
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Mike, That's cuz you're RETIRED and nobody can make you .. except your wife! Dave
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Has anyone used the Penn State kit to add variable speed capability to their wood lathe? Been considering it for my Jet Mini and I see it's on sale now. Would like to hear first hand reports before going down that road. Dave
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I stongly suggest using Nylon cord. Try different diameters for comfort. I like paracord among others. You can tack it down with adhesive or not. Your choice. I had good results using some Rod Bond but next time I'll try the Lamar Epoxy. Too much glue will harden the feel of the cord. There is a good article on this in RodMaker Magazine. Check the link for the particular back issue. Just thin ou
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If you have one blank you like you can find others with similar qualities on the CCS Data List. (Fourth link on the List of Sponsors.) If you want to try many variations nothing beats the selection at the annual Rod Expo in North Carolina in Feb. The blank assortment on hand is staggering and bargain prices prevail. Get there if at all possible. Dave
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Steve: Do you hold the rod by the tip? I'm lefty too and your explanation has leaves me scratching my (shiny smooth) head. I like to see the fish facing the tip. The streamlined shape looks best following the path that the eye takes toward the tip when the rod is in hand. It also seems nicely balanced when viewed from the side. I do, however like to occasionally orient BOLD letters (init
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Mick; It was not just written that the earth was flat; it was a crime punishable by death to utter any disagreement to that dictum. Thankfully the disagreements over rod spine do not bring any punishments close to that; just some some lengthy discussions that seem to leave opposing sides strengthened tin their beliefs. Don; I think the point Tom made about power being a function of the r
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I will definitely add surgical tubing to the Hemostat Jaws. I also like the other ideas offered. A 1" belt sander is on the short list of things to add to my shop. Dave
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I am becoming convinced that in all areas of performance there is one positive influence which, though it eludes all quantitative measurement, can still provide a distinct benefit; and that is the aspect of CONFIDENCE. When one believes in the method and or tool being employed the positive expectation actually increases one's chance of success. I am being quite serious in this opinion. This
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Hand filing guide of feet has always been a pain for me. I never seemed to be able to get a good grip on them, especially really small guides like #6's. Tonight I used a 6 1/2" Hemostat to grip the guides across the faces of the ring. This provided a solid hold with great control. With this I was able to quickly and accurately file down the feet as well as use a small saw blade file to gro
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Mark, I was not starting a new hole.. but attempting to expand an existing hole. I was running the lathe too fast and digging too aggressively. Thanks for the tip on Forstner Bits. I have a set of Milwaukee bits based on the same idea, but all too large for this particular operation. By the way, you are one of the turners I was referring to who has been so helpful to me. As I get develop my
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It has also been covered that the ideal bonding situation is a thin line of agent mating the two parts. There is no benefit in filling all the recesses as the wider gap provides a weaker bond. Only the actual surfaces that come into contact matter. A thin line of the proper bonding agent will create the strongest bond. If you are building up a blank to close the gap it is best to do so until the
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Correction: The proper link to The Best Things web site is: www.thebestthings.com Dave
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When I was about to purchase turning tools I put this very question to Andy Dear. He suggested that all I would really need are two tools.. a 3/8' Fingernail Gouge and a 3/16" or 1/8" Parting Tool ( the standard shape; not the Diamond). He also mentioned his preference for Sorby HSS Turning Tools wheras Tom Kirkman mentioned he likes Crown Tools as well. The benefit of high grade turn
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Tempest in a teapot. Anyone who comes to comes to this fine site looking for a custom rod will almost certainly look scrutinize the Photo Pages looking at examples of the builders represented there. Having seen the workmanship on display there I cannot imagine anyone settling for the work of Mr. Grant. I examined the photos on his site when I was just starting out in the craft. I found his wo
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Madeira Polyneon stretches more than nylon thread. With a bit of test wraps you will be able to adjust your tension device to provide secure wraps. I am not sure I understand what you mean by "they keep loosening at the end". It is a problem with the tie off? More tension is required for the Polyneon. The tension must be even to keep the thread uniform. Also it is important to tightly p
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I like to gradually darken burl cork with repeated light coats of Tru Oil until I get the precise shade desired. Usually that means anywhere from 4 - 7 coats. The more coats the slicker the surface becomes so I knock down some of the gloss with a light sanding with 320 or 400 wet dry as a final touch. Tru Oil really brings out the best of burl cork. Dave
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