Billy Vivona had me cast a rod with the Microwave set up. Then I built a Croix SCV 7' MLF with the Nanolite set. Best rod I've ever had, and the Microwave system delivers as promised.
Forum: rodboard

Depending on the fighting butt length, you may have to use a thread shim, or a very thin masking tape shim where it fits a little more loosely on the blank because of the blank taper, then add winding check. Because you can't taper ream those finished butts, you need to ream the whole thing to butt diameter. If it's a long fighting butt, the blank taper may affect final fitting. That's where the
Forum: rodboard

This happened to me over a St. Croix sticker. If I understand correctly, you have a very wavy finish with lots of small holes where the finish didn't quite flow into itself? All your guide wraps are fine? If your guide wraps are fine, your techniques are fine. I tried putting epoxy over a St. Croix decal without applying color preserver first. It acted exactly like that. I sanded with 400 grit p
Forum: rodboard

Jay, I'll be staying at the Charleston Harbor Resort/Marina May 9-13. I'd like to find an open boat charter, unless there's good action in the suds. What's around that time of year?
Forum: rodboard

Looks like you need a reel seat that will fit a blank diameter of around .811. I calculated it on the winding check calculator assuming 1.015 butt, size 11 tip and 10 ft. blank. This is assuming a 29" rear grip length. A 28" rear grip length would be a little larger diameter, as a 30" rear grip length would be a little smaller diameter.
Forum: rodboard

I think the winding check calculator could help. I'm assuming you mean rear grip length is going to be 28-30 inches? Add your butt diam. into the program, your tip size, then play with the handle length and reel seat numbers to total the desired 28-30 inch grip length.The calculator adds foregrip and rear grip length together as one. In other words, tell it your handle length is 24" and reel
Forum: rodboard

6061 aluminum tubing works well for an oversleeve in my opinion. Once you figure out the I.D., wall thickness, and corresponding O.D of the tubing, you can get a pretty close fit to the rod blank and size your grip material accordingly. I use the method outlined in Clemen's book.
Forum: rodboard

I've been fishing 30 lb. Fireline on my M/H bass rod, in the weeds, about 5 days a week Spring thru Fall, for about 6 years and the Alconite guide rings and Alconite tiptop ring are still perfect. I recently built an Inshore Lite with Alconites, and have confidence they will last as far as wear is concerned. I'm also a big fan of Hardloys. I've been fishing 30 lb. Fireline on my surf rod, for the
Forum: rodboard

I find that balance points are subject to the fisherman's wants. I only build for personal use and my preferred balance point is right in front of the reel. In other words, I hold the rod and filled reel as if I'm fishing. Then I let go with all fingers and only leave my index for a crude fulcrum, in the exact position it was in while I was "fishing". My rods balance exactly at that poi
Forum: rodboard

I once had the opportunity to try mono vs. floro leaders in an actual visible fishing situation. My buddy and I came across a huge pod of trout living in a pool beside a bridge support in the middle of the Pequannock river. After agreeing on strict catch and release, we decided to screw around and experiment with various baits, colors, leaders etc. I used 4 lb. Seaguar floro ice fishing leader vs
Forum: rodboard

This blank will get the job done on the average yellowfin here in our canyons. It'll also handle 20lbs. max drag in my opinion. Pretty nice blank. Decided to order the Aftco AR-S3 reel seat, and I'm planning a spiral wrap. I think I want to try the Amtak Virtus
Forum: rodboard

Looks like the 24 will work. Thanks Fred. Happy New Year by the way.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the idea to check out Billy and the NERBs. Those NERBs are cool guys. Good thing they're not called North East Rod Designers, huh? I'll check them out when I get back on my feet financially. Right now I'm counting pennies for gas money, so to speak. lol. Divorce is costly. Always seem to find money for blanks and stuff though. I zip tied a Penn Jigmaster on that blank, the CJB65H,
Forum: rodboard

Hello from North Jersey. I'm Arthur Wamback, an amateur rodbuilder in Madison, NJ. I've acquired a Seeker Black Steel CJB 65H. I want to build a party boat tuna rod. What size reel seat do I need to use in order to fit the feet on a Penn International 50W? Will the Aftco ARS3 work? I like the Perfection size 19 also. These seats are 5.75" long, is that enough? Too big? I have no exper
Forum: rodboard