Thanks for all the good advice. It sure is good to see that after being away for several years Tom's site is still as good as ever. Thanks again. rhr
Forum: rodboard

I have been asked to build a two piece rod for the first time. It will be used mainly for bass. I am looking at using MB 842-2-MHX or SJ842-2-MHX blanks. Any suggestions or cautions are appreciated. Ralph
Forum: rodboard

Bill, I've used Flex Coat Rod Builders epoxy with good results gluing poker chips in Tennessee handles. I got the best results by roughing up the chips first. I'll try your contact cement idea later this week. Have a great week. rhr
Forum: rodboard

A spinning rod I built several years ago has been returned with the reel seat no longer tight to the blank. The single cork rings at each end of the seat are tight. I "assume" that the pilyurethan reel seat arbor that I used has crumbled. I sure would appreciate any suggestions on an easy way to repair this seat without disassembling the whole rod. Thanks in advance. rhr
Forum: rodboard

I really liked the article and look forward to the next one. While the soft tip section might mask the sensativity going to the hand, I think many strikes are detected with the eyes when the tip deflects and a soft tip would increase the sight recognition. I have been taught to watch the line and tip as well as fingering the line and rod blank. What does the fish feel? rhr
Forum: rodboard

Ernie, The last two worm rods I built were built on Rainshadow RX7 ISJ782 and 783. These are spinning blanks but I like to use them as casting rods. Fishsticks4U has them and they are a sponsor; good people to do business with. Hope this helps. rhr
Forum: rodboard

I usually keep a piece of PVC pipe in the back of my truck. That shouldn't catch the wind and it will protect the blank. rhr
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Thanks for all your inputs. I also use the spring spool tensioning set up and have no trouble with the metallic messing up. I did put another half turn on the lock nut and so far that seems to be working very well. Now I am a bit concerned about using all metallics on the guides since this is a rather light ISJ782 blank. I always learn something each time I am on this site. Bill, I am usi
Forum: rodboard

I am using Gude HT metallic thread for the first time. I set my tension at about three ounces but the wraps seem very loose. Does this metallic need to be wrapped a bit tighter for some reason? Thanks, rhr
Forum: rodboard

I would suggest you go to the fishSticks4U website and look at the Rainshadow blanks. The RX7 line of blanks are very good and priced very well. There is a great selection for whatever application you are interested in. Give Robert a call and he will ge glad to help. Hope this helps. rhr
Forum: rodboard

Mike, It sure was good to meet you this last weekend. I hope your baggage has been recovered. I was in constant amazement at all the people that had time to answer any and all questions. This is my second show and I hope this is only the beginning. The deals are great and the people are even better. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I hope that next year the Radisson doesn't have
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What beautiful workmanship. rhr
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These will be going on medium weight bass rods. Line weights probably less than 14#. I was just surprised that all of a sudden a bolt that I have used for several years on #6 rings didn't fit these #6 fly guides. Thanks Mike, I thought that #6 referenced the ring ID and not the frame ID. An old dog just learned a new trick. Thanks, rhr
Forum: rodboard

I recently got in parts for several new rods. I wanted to try single foot fly guides with a 6 ring. When I started to finish the feet, they would not fit on the nylon bolt I use to finish my non-fly single foot guides with a 6 ring. Is this normal? Thanks, rhr
Forum: rodboard

Walter, Your best starting point might be buying Tom's book, it will be about $15.00 rhr
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This is an inspirational move that should get some very interesting name tags. Might even up attendance. rhr
Forum: rodboard

For my bass fishing rods I mostly use a size 12 guide. I tried test casting using 12 and 16 and saw no differance. rhr
Forum: rodboard

Welcome to a big time addiction. This is the place for great information. Enjoy rhr
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Jim and Mike. It was the tightwraps.com site. I am getting ready to build a rod for a good friend who lives in another state and it is hard to explain what the different color combinations look like. I'll forward this to him and he can have a ball deciding what colors he wants. Again thanks, rhr
Forum: rodboard

I know that I have been to a site that had a "tool" that you could define the rod color then wrap colors and it would show you a picture of what the combination would look like. I haven't been to the site for so long I have forgotten the web address. Can anyone help? I know I found it from this site. I did a search on color and got 16,000 hits; search on color selector and got 0 h
Forum: rodboard

I use a Delta low speed wet wheel for initial grinding because it leaves a concave surface that is easier to work. I follow this with Arkansas stones and then finish using a buffing wheel to polish the edge. The best advise I can give is to touch up the tool before it gets very dull. Sharp tools are safer and easier to use. rhr
Forum: rodboard

You also might try poker chips, you have to be careful of the glue that you use. They come in various colors and they are not expensive. I use them on TN handles. rhr
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Stylo it is. Thanks guys, now how do I keep my shaky hands steady. LOL rhr
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I know I have read many threads on signing rods. I have searched on pens, signing, signing rods....I need some guideance to find past topics on signing rods. Thanks, rhr
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Just a passing thought. I try to have my first guide at least 1/2 the size of the spinning reel spool, if there was a return to the large spools that would make for a mighty big fist guide. rhr
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Thanks Russ, Versitex site shows the blank, I'll give them a call later this AM. rhr
Forum: rodboard

I would like to build a crankbait rod; heard good things about using the Seeker BS706, 7' S-glass. I could not find any sponsor that carries these. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, rhr
Forum: rodboard

I agree with Tom's book. Every time I re-read it I learn something new. It is one of the best rodbuilding investments I have made. This is an addiction that seems to grow without bounds. rhr
Forum: rodboard

I have built and have been using a Rainshadow RX7 CB66M, a 6' 6" rod that might work well, they also have a MH version. These are not fast action rods, but moderate action that I think work better for holding the hook set. Go to the Fishsticks4U sponsor; they are good people to work with. Hope this helps. rhr
Forum: rodboard

I read this many times before I got it right. It just plain works. It is like the rod pulls the finish off the brush. rhr
Forum: rodboard