All, Thank you very much for the responses. Thread tension I do not believe to be the culprit. The area where the rod broke, is so small in diameter, that to wrap with much tension would bend that section easily. I had to beck the tension off considerably to keep the rod section straight and not bent. Hoping it was just a defect so I will wrap this other tip section and keep my fingers cro
Forum: rodboard

I was recently asked to build a multi piece packable spinning rod. I needed to use a flyrod blank to achieve what was asked. The rod is a 6'-0" 4pc blank and single foot guides were used. My friend called to tell me that the rod broke at the first guide down from the tip top. The break is pretty clean with not much splintering and occurred about 1/16" back from the point of the guide fo
Forum: rodboard

Yep!! That was/is it!! Looks like the Backlash stuff may be sold through Swampland. Thank you for all the help!! Best, Paul
Forum: rodboard

Some time ago, I purchased a nice carbide burnishing tool and some mandrels. I would like to purchase a couple more, and I can't remember who I got them from!! I checked the suppliers list, and either they don't exist, or more likely I have overlooked them. I need a little help.....anyone??? Thanks in advance, Paul
Forum: rodboard

Placed an order for two 9'-0" 4wt camo blanks from MudHole. They no longer stock them and are discontinued. Does anyone know of any other suppliers for these? I have not found any, and I was asked to build a couple of these as retirement gifts to go with the camo reels that were purchased. Thanks in advance, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I've been searching through the vendors list, and I can not find anyone that stocks the CXBG TiCH guide. Any of you vendors stocking it just not listing it? Looking for 8's 9's and 10's Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I've always taken the butt dimension and bought the two next size smaller checks. It has worked well for me.
Forum: rodboard

I've been intrigued to build one of these rods but have not done a lot of research. On the surface, they appear very similar. What are the major differences between the two styles? What makes a switch a switch and a spey a spey? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

You may try Dan Craft though I'm not sure what length blanks he has them in. Other than that, I think Sage has the market share of 0wt - 000wt blanks. You may also look for an older Sage SPL 0 wt blank. I have a factory built one and I believe it is a greenish blue color. Paul
Forum: rodboard

Drill blanks or hobby stores for either wire or small punches or Golden Witch (They sell a pin punch) or Wagner rods.
Forum: rodboard

You can always try harbor freight tools if you are looking for something inexpensive. Although it is a bit more expensive, I would recommend you go to lathemaster.com Great machine with out breaking the bank for a high dollar unit.
Forum: rodboard

Typically I use a #10 and a #12 stripping guide on my fly rods. I have also used just a single stripper followed by a #4 snake guide on lighter line weight rods such as a 4wt. Any thoughts (Advantages or disadvantages) to using a #8 and #10 stripper in lieu of using a single #10 stripper and a #4 snake guide? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I am looking for a light wire snake guide in the dark TiCh. It needs to match the Batson BUL5 reel seat of the same color. Any such beast? I can't seem to locate them. Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I am not sure if this critter even exists, but.............I need a stripping guide for a 4wt fly rod that has a blue ring and a chrome frame. I have found them in the light and dark TiCh but not chrome. Maybe I will just have to go with a blue agate in a nickle silver frame. Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I am looking for input on these rods. I've not built on St Croix blanks yet, so any input is helpful. Thanks in advance, Paul McRoberts
Forum: rodboard

Here are some other options for you. I have the 000wt, 00wt, 0wt. I fish them with the following reels: Ross Vision 1 (Expensive reel but incredible if you can find one) Marryat MR-7 Ross Evolution 0 Sage 3100 All are smooth with little to no startup drag. I also use the Galvan standard reel in the 2.5 inch version. Food for thought? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

Al, @#$%& has the pacbay wrapper with the upgraded chuck for $299.00 Nice price and their shipping is actual costs. Nice people to buy from to boot!!
Forum: rodboard

Joe, The Powell company you knew is no longer around. Although Powell is still in business, it is run by different owners. They do still manufacture rods, but only completed rods, no blanks. They are now based out of Novato California, and their product line is heavy with bass rods and I believe only one series of fly rods. I do miss hanging out at the old shop as I went to Chico State myself!
Forum: rodboard

Hello, Looking for a supplier for the blue PacBay snake guides. I would prefer a dealer that stocks them. Last time I had to get them through Cabelas and would rather not go down that path again. I guess my second choice would be to order and drop ship them from a pacbay dealer. Any help with this one?? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I own one of each of their guide series rods. Very fast actions. Great rods for the price!! mine were all factory built. Hope that helps.......Oh, i almost forgot........super nice people to deal with.
Forum: rodboard

Arcane components is geared towards the traditional bamboo components. Hence the smaller grip sizes, agate guides, etc
Forum: rodboard

Tom, Will the CD version of the back issues be around for awhile or are they a limited time offering? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

Mike, I do not recall the speed exactly, but I think I turned at about the 1200 to 1800 range. More importantly, I found out that extremely light smooth passes were crucial. I have had more than one explode on me when my fingers stalled or the parting tool caught. I turned pieces that were cast in clear acrylic resins, and they seemed a bit more brittle than the others. I also had better resul
Forum: rodboard

Mike, I have been building composite flyrods for some time, and my methods have evolved with what the industry offers. Although admittedly I now build bamboo rods that employ the materials and methods from days past!!! I started with masking tape.....it seems at the time, that was the standard. I have used cork and wood for arbors. All have worked well, and I have yet to have a rod come back
Forum: rodboard

Are there any resources or articles on making rattan grips? I have been searching but have come up empty. Any suggestions? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I wanted to get some input from anyone who may use or have used this drying set up. It would be helpful for me to be able to do multiple pcs since the bamboo rods I build are 2pc with 2 tips. Any input from users? Good, bad, indifferent? Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

Oops!! Here is my email pmcroberts@sbcglobal.net Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I have about a dozen blanks that are 3 pc 9'-0" 12wt blanks. Contact me if you like. Thanks, Paul
Forum: rodboard

I thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth on this one. Of all the guides I have used, I would say that Snake Brand are by far nicer to use. Very very consistant in finish, shape, size etc. I typically can use them right out of the packages without any foot prep. I use them exclusively on my fly rods unless someone requests something different. They are also the only one I will use on my bamboo
Forum: rodboard

I actually make a template of the desired profile out of 3/4" lumber, and line the face of the cutout with 60 grit sandpaper. The template is such that it leaves the cork a bit oversize, then I can finish sand it to spec.
Forum: rodboard