Or you could just ask here and get answers from people who have done that work before and are willing to share
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Being in Michigan I’ve restored/refinished more Heddons than I can count. What you are calling blotches are actually the varnish that has broken down. Heddon ised a custom mix and sprayed it on. You can actually scrap most of it off then wipe it down with DNA. Be car around any writing. It’s been said there are two kinds of Heddons. Those that have been refinished and thise that need refinishin
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I was given one of those yellow Fenwick blanks by a fellow builder. 7 1/2’ fly blank. I wrapped it in Gudebrod ruby with black spiral tipping. Looks age appropriate and the rod is a dream to cast.
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I just finished a lmx 1004-4 euro nymph rod. I normally use silk. Not on these. Go with nylon. Lighten up on the thread tension a bit it makes it easier to pack and burnish. Go slow and pack often. That’s my 2 cents.
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Some of us fly fishers done like the modern “rocket launcher” blanks. I like a more moderate blank. Yes the old Sage LL series are nice but impossible to find. The older Batson rainshadow blue blanks are in that category I feel. I bought and built several 8’ 4 wts and everyone liked them. In fact I may even have a couple left.
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Mike Unhide your email or shoot me a message. I’d be very in some of the items you have.
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<p>this was  done  with  decorative  paper  from   the art supply store.  lays up   like snakeskin.</p>
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center grip is cotton wood finished with multiple coats of super glue
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Just finished a 10’ 4 wt faf. Amazing blank.
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I like Hitenia natural and Gen 4 light build.
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Rodon used to make something similar but it was a screw in setup. There is a threaded adapter fit into the seat the then the fighting butt screwed into that. I thing I still have one or two. I’ll dig for it for pics if you need a visual.
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Some things you may just have to make like your binder When it planes the standard go to is a vintage Stanley 91/2. However, you will want to upgrade the blade. I did that for several years then upgraded to a Veritas with PM 11 blade. The other good plane is the Lie-Neilsen with the groove. Yes they are pricey but remember. Buy once,cry once.
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I see where you are going with your ideas. I’ve repaired/restored my fair share of cane rods. Obviously the normal finish is a varnish. However, there are/were several companies that used a impregnated finish. There are folks out there now using a similar finish normally used for pool cues. Absorbing rate would vary I’m sure. Pressuring the finish in a closed container may effect the glue joints.
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Bamboo is kind of my specialty and since we are close ennough to each other I can help you out. Drop me a message
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I’ve suddenly gotten requests for a specific blank In particular a TFO 7’3”. 2 wt Does anyone have any of these stashed that they want to unload? Or a similar in 7’ range And no do not suggest using a spinning blank. These customers are specific
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I’ve built on several of them. Mostly the shorter lighter line one. They are very similar to the ones that Anglers Roost used to carry. I lie the tip over butt models a bit more than the spigot ferrules ones. But for the money they are a great deal.
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Being a fan of fiberglass fly rods and someone who appreciates vintage tackle I would suggest that instead of building them out you may be better off just selling them as is. Those look like factory grips from the early ‘80s. I would put them up on the fiberglass fly rod site. I may even be interested in that 96-7
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Paul. I covered the spool carrier with a thin piece of aluminum sheet stock. Runs smooth. I always wondered why if Herters was “the worlds finest” they left that casting so rough.
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I’m going old school next week also. Helping my son with some projects but still want to know out this glass fly rod. I’ve stripped all my tools down to the basics. I’ve broken out an old Thompson/Herters wrapper. I don’t see an issue should be fun.
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Lately I’ve been building a lot of short light line fly rods for folks who fish super small streams. Message me I can probably help you find that blank.
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I still have a few of those cordura tube covers. They really don’t stretch. You insert the correct size PVC tube. It’s snug but still slightly movable. Probably easier to buy pre made
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Jeffrey, Message me. I bought a bunch of NOS Guides that came right from the Heddon Factory. I may have what you are looking for.
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About 50% of my builds are cane. Snake brand are the best. Yes a bit more than others but you just can’t beat them. My second choice if you want to save a bit are the Batson light wire.
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Here’s what I do but other methods may work better for you depending on your set up. I use a Barracuda two jaw pen chuck. It centers the blank pretty good. I mark the centers on both ends then mount it in the chuck. I use a centering bit to start the bore. Then bring up the live tail suck and turn to almost final dimensions. Turn the blank around and turn the remaining blank. Measure your nee
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While they aren’t a a sponsor . Look at a Proof Fly Fishing. They have a 7 piece.
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Questions Joseph
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I think part of what I was more concerned/interested in is what will this do to parts inventory levels. If the workers in Asia aren’t making parts and blanks, how long before it effects our suppliers.
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I’ve been a bit curious about this and it was reinforced that morning when we all got a e mail at work from one of our suppliers saying our shipments were in quarantine since they were coming from infected parts of China. Will this type of quarantine effect rod parts, and blanks? Just asking.
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Custom fly grips on the left. Hitena. They carry “natural” which is not dyed. This is the stuff you want if you are doing “invisible wraps”
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Been trying to contact them for over a week with no luck. Hoping that maybe they’re just out of the office.
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