I simply use a straw and the heat from my breath to pop bubbles.
Forum: rodboard

Like Roger Templon I too use my body to heat up the epoxy except I put the bottles in my pants pockets while I set up for the job. Works well even though my rod room temp might be below 72.
Forum: rodboard

Good enough for a quick fix to finish out the rest of the season but I would not use it on a new build for some of the above stated reasons.
Forum: rodboard

Check the Hitena line of accent threads, so far they are best I have ever used and the selection is outstanding.
Forum: rodboard

As I have previously posted I use Birchwood-Casey Tru-oil. As an example as how well it adheres and stands up, my favorite rod has caught over a thousand fish in the past six years and I recently "cleaned" up the cork grip with a light sanding and a couple of coats of Tru-oil. No filled in pits had fallen out. I find that the Tru-oil resists dirt and grease build up. Tru-oil is often us
Forum: rodboard

Birchwood Casey Tru-oil, minimum three hand rubbed coats.
Forum: rodboard

One last tip would be to burnish the rod tip to remove any rod coating so that you are adhering to original blank surface.
Forum: rodboard

Have replaced guides on several older saltwater rods and run into a similar situation where entire rod appears to be coated with several layers of epoxy. Once I have the repair down to the blank I had to fill in the gap with epoxy to bring the guide base even with the rest of the rod. A real pain in the butt.
Forum: rodboard

Sorry to hear about your strange accident. I have had both cuffs torn amongst other shoulder issues with both shoulders arthroscopically repaired. Both were pretty good after only two weeks without therapy but I didn't get full range for about a year after I took aqua therapy sessions. I actually continued the therapy on my own for about two years, therapy pools are nice and warm in the cold New
Forum: rodboard

I have not been disappointed with any on sale blank from Mudhole. The average fisherman could not tell the difference between a properly fabricated rod from an on sale blank from an off the shelf major supplier. It allows me to introduce new customers to a custom rod at a very reasonable cost. Look for the component sales at the same time.
Forum: rodboard

I use Robinson one color metallic thread and have never had any problems. It seems a little thinner than A and has a very round profile.Like Ed Kramer, I had a chance to do a couple of trim wraps with Hitena's new metallic and had no issues.
Forum: rodboard

Never built a Mudhole kit but if it was crap then they have lost a customer forever. I would not hesitate to buy one of there kits if I was in your position. If you need help with one, all you have to do is pick up the phone and give them a call. Their lively hood depends on repeat business. Nothing but excellent service from them even on nickel and dime components.
Forum: rodboard

IMHO I would use the tip top recommended by Fuji for the guides you are using. Usually with drop shotting you are not worried about casting. And yes, use the locking wrap. I used both the locking and blocking wrap on all my single foot guides.
Forum: rodboard

Another vote for Decal Connection, get a set of two different colors. I usually go with white and gold..
Forum: rodboard

Boy, Roger you are quick! There is a lot more time spent in building a rod beside the actual construction. Time spent with the client in the design and fine tuning of the components can actually take a couple of hours and then the finding and ordering of the components, checking in the order and preparing the parts, invoice preparation and any "tax" reporting that needs to be done.. All
Forum: rodboard

I shaped the end of a mixing spatula to a triangle blunt point and apply the epoxy in the tunnels and around behind the ring by turning the rod by hand. I have also cut and shaped knitting needles for both burnishing tools and applying thread epoxy in tight places. Both the plastic and metal needles need very fine polishing to insure they do not scratch the rod. I haven't had an issue yet. I have
Forum: rodboard

I second Norm's use of dry wall tape when you can't get a foam arbor to fit exactly the way you seek.
Forum: rodboard

If you can get something that will blend in the color, then give it one or two coats of thread epoxy to seal it in..
Forum: rodboard

I have refurbished at least four bamboo rods for customers' sentimental value, belong originally to father, grandfather, etc. They were not intended to be fished as there may have been slight compromises in the cane itself. All were finished with Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil. My clients were completely satisfied with the outcome.
Forum: rodboard

A few years ago I built a spiral wrapped bait caster using a St. Croix Elite spinning blank matched with a Shimano Japanese Scorpion reel to cast light lures (1/8 oz) just for the experiment. It came better than I had anticipated. Reason for my post is simply anecdotal evidence of what you are trying to do.....go for it!
Forum: rodboard

I simply add silver glitter to the thread epoxy.
Forum: rodboard

PacBay with ALPS chuck.
Forum: rodboard

If I have decals for the components used to build a rod I usually put them all on the rod plus my own custom decal.
Forum: rodboard

I typically go for a gloss finish but if customers just want a light sheen, three will do it. I also steel wool (0000 size) the grip after each coat as TO will rise wood fiber a little. Five coats lasted me five years on a heavily used freshwater spinning rod and all I did was a light sanding andtwo more coats of TO. No filled pits ever fall out with TO.
Forum: rodboard

I have recently tried the new epoxy from Hitena and so far it seems to have all of the "best" characteristics you look for in a thread epoxy, but as noted, results may vary slightly with technique. Threadmaster has been my go to for the past few years but Hitena for me at least, does just a little better job overall.
Forum: rodboard

If you marble Winn grips you take away the properties you buy Winn grips in the first place.
Forum: rodboard

Practical example. I wanted a bait casting rod that could handle lighter lure weights, so I used a "spinning" blank. Like previous folks said, match the hatch, use that blank that meets your lure, line rating and other blank characteristics.
Forum: rodboard

Winding checks can also serve a functional purpose. They help block or fill in the slight gap from reaming your handle material and the blank. I add a short length of thread trim in a complementary color, coat with thread epoxy to seal the whole deal. Keeps water from seeping under your handle material.
Forum: rodboard

I finally took the opportunity to try the thread epoxy on a new rod build. And I have no affiliation with Hitena or any of their distributors. There is no need to even use the epoxy before you can recognize some pluses. In the 4oz packaging (2+2), the top is capped with a pre-drilled needle nosed type dispenser. The caps are color coded, black for hardener and white for resin. The hardener ha
Forum: rodboard

Occasionally I will wrap the decal overnight with D thread to really snug down the decal and the next day immediately epoxy over the decal.
Forum: rodboard