Thanks for the replies!
Forum: rodboard

Does anyone know or recommend a source for an Alvey Open runner in the USA? I would like to get my hands on one but its hard to justify international shipping for a little $3 component. Any ideas?
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I've used my pac bay rodsmith with upgraded chuck for turning cork, eva and composite cork. Just be patient and use a multitude of abrasive surfaces to get the material where you want....and anchor it down!
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ive also had issues with cloudy spots, I eliminated them by cutting as close to the decal detail as possible and making sure that when I apply them(over dried epoxy) that the epoxy has absolutely no tackiness at all
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Can one subscribe at the expo?
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Thanks for all of the replies. I have the flex coat bits and they don't get me even close to the diameter I need to have. That method would work great for regular cork, but not this rubberized stuff. I found a few hole saw bits and they work great. I squeeze the rings just enough in a vice to hold them as I cut. I cut half way on each side and pop the ring out by hand.
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I think I will try the hole saw!
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I am building an all composite/rubberized cork grip for the first time and I wanted to get a few of your thoughts on the most efficient way to go about reaming the cork rings. I used a dremel on one, just to see how long it would take..there has to be a more efficent way! I am reaming 1-1/4" rings out to about 7/8" so I am looking for a way to maximize time spend on reaming these rings
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If I had an $800 budget for this build, the CTS blanks would be a great route to take. I need to make it work at about $400 component cost. Thanks though Herb, I do appreciate it!
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Thanks Ken! Do you have experience building on the lamiglass rated to 16 oz?
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I am trying to find a 12'-14' surf rod blank for a very specific application. The blank needs to be rated to cast about 16oz. Does anyone on here have some suggestions?
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Thanks for all of the replies!
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The heat gun method works 99% of the time for me, having said that, I have ruined one blank with heat. I wasn't doing anything differently than I had when removing guides in the past and i never had a problem. I just feel like a heat gun doesn't allow you to control heat well enough to be precise with where the heat is directly applied. I am interested in other methods of removing guides without
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Has anyone ever tried heating just the top of the guide foot with a soldering iron to get the epoxy warm enough to cut easily with a razor blade? I feel like I can't control the heat well with an open flame or a heat gun, but I could really apply hear accuratly with a soldering iron. Thanks in advance! Brittan Battles Battle Fin Custom Rods
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That sounds like something I would be interested in. Has anyone heard what the seminar schedule will be, or do they finalize that closer to ICRBE? This will be my first year attending.
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You should be able to remove it with heat, just heat the seat up very slowly,getting it to the appropriate temperature without scorching the blank. I've also used a Dremel with success. Good luck. Brittan Battles Battle Fin Custom Rods
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I would be interested in who else manufacturers them. Honestly, I really like the looks of the minima guides, plus the color choices are great. Like it or not, having comprehensive color options for guides makes them attractive to my customers, as long as they will perform, I'd rather use something that makes a customer love the rod and will make it stand out from the rest.
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Thanks for the reply! I really like the look and simplicity of them. I am considering putting a set on a few surf rods that I am building this winter.
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Since the minima's have been on the market for a good while now, does anyone have a verdict on how they hold up to modern braided line? I would imagine they would be just fine and optimal for freshwater use, but what about saltwater use for big game inshore species? Brittan Battles Battle Fin Custom Rods
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I've often thought about using microwave guides on freshwater rods, they just never crossed my mind for my heavy salt builds. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Hello! First post on this forum. I am in the process of building a heavy jetty rod, using an 8'6" AmTak Bushido 50-80 400 gram. I am set on all of my components but the guides. I can't decide between Alps VDs with virconium rings or Virtus Heavys with duralite rings. Obviously the Virtus guides are the heavier option but are they really necessary? I'll be pairing the rod with a Penn Spinf
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