While others have criticized this idea as resulting in a grip that is too heavy, I have had good luck purchasing cheap cork handles that are frequently on sale from the various dealers listed to the left. I either use them as is or modify them to fit the design of the handle I'm creating. I then wet them with epoxy, slip the carbon fiber sleeve over them and zip tie them until they dry. I boug
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Without a lathe it can be very difficult. If you are using cork rings that have a predrilled hole there are a couple of bit designs made for the task. One uses a short pilot shaft on the front of the bit and the other has a reverse cutting edge. Both styles come in different diameters. Use the size slightly smaller than the blank diameter and then ream to fit. You should be able to find vide
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Use a cork grip as a core. You can use it as it is or shape it. Cork quality isn't an issue so buy the least expensive one that is in the specs you need.
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Consider purchasing discounted cork grips and using them for your core.....They are already shaped and when on sale are cheaper and much easier to use than making foam cores. .I've used them in the past and have had no issues........
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Tubing slices or ortho bands to hold the guides in place. One in front of the guide to keep it from moving up the blank and one near the center of the guide foot to hold it in place. That typically forces the guide foot to stay in full contact with the blank. The bands also allow for tweaking the guide position on the blank during static testing.
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I found the ends of the grip to be a little brittle. I would recommend possibly adding either a cork ring or rubberized cork ring to the ends......I finished mine with multiple coats of tung oil.....
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Only if you want another rod....or another line weight.......or you just have the urge to build another rod.......... But that being said, I have several Batson blanks, 2 of which are E2's. I like them. They suit my casting style and I have had no issues landing fish with them. But the truth is I have far more rods than I need, both fly and spin. I, like you build only for myself or as gifts
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Nice, Michael........Jonathan will be worse than a kid waiting for Christmas morning.......
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Did you make the pine bark rings?
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Nice tip, Roger.......I've built a number of rods using that reel seat but have not thought to finish one that way........definitely sounds easier than the epoxy ramps I've done......
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Unfortunately this time of year may not be the best for what I am about to suggest. If it were me, I would start by spending some time on my local pier looking at what others are using. While I'm sure the majority of them are not using custom made gear you should get a feel for length and power in relation to what species are being caught. Are they casting 20 ft 0r 100? Are they really using 3
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Try searching for fingernail decals on various websites such as *****. You may have to be specific in the search feature such as "USMC fingernail decals" or "US NAVY fingernail decals".
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E2.....great blank for reds and outstanding customer service
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I've built both a 7 and a 9wt Eternity and use them in the marshes of coastal NC mostly targeting redfish. Needless to say, the wind here is often an issue. I think you would be happier with a 9 as an all around rod for your situation, although I have no experience relating to steelhead fishing. My 7 is a lot of fun and is in the boat whenever I go but I can deal with more wind and heavier flie
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Definitely consider buying Rainshadow........a call to Batson is answered almost immediately and if there wasn't one of the tech guys available they always returned my call in a timely manner. The Mudhole class would be a good hands-on refresher if you've built in the past but there is also a TON of video on the internet. Mudhole, Get Bit and FlexCoat all have videos that cover most basic ro
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I've built a couple of Eternities, an RX and several of their spin blanks. All have served me well and I'll likely continue to use their product line. Along with that they have outstanding customer service. I'll also agree that it is so much easier to transport 4pc blanks. You won't go wrong choosing any of the Rainshadow product line.........
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While I have made a fair number of foam core/carbon fiber sleeve grips I recently ordered some "on sale" cork grips and used them instead of shaping a foam core. The cost was similar to purchasing foam core and they already had the basic shape and dimensions I needed. I roughed them up a bit, then applied a thin layer of epoxy, let it dry and smoothed it with fine grit sand paper.. I
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Before I started building for myself I had a rod made by someone I met on one of the fishing sites. I fished the rod for a month or so and the handle separated at the reel seat. Since the rod had a "lifetime" guarantee I sent it back. The gentleman sent it back to me with a note that he could assure me it wouldn't break in that spot again. A couple of years later the reel seat start
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A large thank you to Geoff at Batson Enterprises for helping me find a replacement section for an Eternity2 blank that met with an unfortunate accident. Great customer service that saved me from salvaging components and trashing some decent cork work......
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I'm with Chris....Dremel due to it being so versatile.........but Roger's chop saw assures a more controlled cut
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Google "color wheel"........
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One way or the other if anyone knows where I can get one I would appreciate it.......
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The blank is an older model and I could of sworn it was an RX6.....that's what I get for not putting the label on the blank when I built it.......it is a dark green in color
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Looking for an older RX6 4pc blank in the dark green color........
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If you have access to Facebook, check out Swampwood Products. He's doing some outstanding looking stuff combining wood and acrylic as well as solid acrylic. Doesn't have a website that's up and running but you can message him and he responds pretty quickly.
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Robert......take Roger up on his offer before I do.......it would be hard to pass up free birch bark rings......
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I'll take respectful exception to Roger's post. He has far more experience than I do and his advice is usually well grounded. However, i've used tung oil on burl cork and find that depending on what level of gloss you are trying to obtain it may in fact take several applications of tung oil to obtain your desired finish and level of protection.. Should you find that with wear it needs refreshin
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One of the board sponsors has free templates that can be used for shaping grips. Click on Custom Fly Grips LLC.......you can print them as a reference or print and then cut them in sections to design your own......
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Dowel rods......shim them with tape if they need it....... I like Ron's idea of the EVA......
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There is a Northern California Rod Builders Association Facebook page. You might make an inquiry there.
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