I’m building a rod that I’m calling my “vanity project”. I’ve had the blank for well over 15 years. I never got around to it before because it’s significantly heavier than the type of fishing I normally do. I decided to really take my time and set about to do the best job my current skill level allows. I’m on a hand wrapper so “really taking my time” is no exaggeration. I dug into my dwind
Forum: rodboard

When I've done marbling in the past, I usually choose colors that are already present (either in the wraps or the blank itself). I was taught to put down an base layer of colored epoxy (I usually do black), and while it is still wet...add drops of other colors in, and then use a pick to pull the colors into patterns, etc. The rod I'm building has base wraps of sea-foam green that I want prese
Forum: rodboard

>>I'm just wondering if anyone has insight as to how the older vintage rods guide placement was done. Thanks to all that replied but I think perhaps my question was misunderstood. I wasn't asking for advice on how to refurbish the rod. I know that I can add guides and place them to get whatever result I want. My question was if anyone knows what the guide placement style/theory/
Forum: rodboard

I decided it would be fun to put together a vintage bait-casting rig from that period (vintage rod, reel, line and lure) and try some old-school fishing. I was able to refurbish a bait-casting reel (circa 1940-1950) into working order, and picked up a fair period appropriate rod on @#$%&. My though was that I could just replace the old corroded guides and I'd be all set. I did a line test
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Hi Roger: No worries...that spool is history. Truthfully, I'm happy it was just one defective items. I love that color, and a Gudebrod is no longer around, what I have now is it. Thanks again. Cheers! -Dan-
Forum: rodboard

Follow up. I tried Roger's suggestion and found the issue was related to one specific spool of thread. It is apparently defective. Thanks Roger for the suggestion.
Forum: rodboard

**Follow-up: I tried Roger's suggestion and found the issue was related to one specific spool of thread. It is apparently defective. Thanks Roger for the suggestion I put down some under wraps using Gudebrod Electra Metallic Royal Blue (#9245). As I gave them a coat of color preserver, I noticed as I dipped the brush that it was leaving a slight blue stain in the cup. This morning
Forum: rodboard

Update (7/23): I ended up going with the X-Wrap and it worked perfect. If, in the future, I want to redo the grips...I'll still have that option. Thanks to all that replied. -Dan- ======================================================================= The last time I was building (several years ago), I had attached the real-seat and Hypalon grips on a couple of 670 class blanks,
Forum: rodboard

Thank you very much!
Forum: rodboard

I'm working on a Calstar BT6460XH. The blank is short and stiff and my attempts to "find the spline" are getting inconsistent results. I've never been very confident on my ability to find the spine via the "bend it, roll it, and mark where it stops" method. As I was sighting along the blank, I noticed that there's a distinct white line running the length of the inside.
Forum: rodboard

I'm wanting to learn how to do marbling and all the videos I've watched recommend you start by experimenting on rod blank scraps. Anyone have suggestions where I can find some scrap pieces to experiment on? I thought about going to some thrift stores and buying some old beat up sticks and just cutting them up. Seams a waste though. I'm wondering if I was to buy some wooden dowels at home de
Forum: rodboard

Thank you all. I’ll stick with hot melt. Cheers!
Forum: rodboard

I'm about to build a Calstar 6465XH with Aftco roller guides. I've built many rods, but I've never done one with roller guides before. I'm probably over thinking it but...I'm wondering if using the tip-top heat glue is sufficient for this or should I go with epoxy? Advice?
Forum: rodboard