Thanks for all the input! I alluded to the fact that it was probably user error, and I'm convinced that's the problem. (Actually I thought that all along) I think the problem is that the threads are not packed tightly enough. Back to the drawing board.......or rod wrapper, as the case may be.
Forum: rodboard

I just finished my underwraps on a stand-up rod(my first) and applied FlexCoat color preserver to the first wrap. It looks like crap; splotchy, uneven finish. I suppose I'll have to re-wrap the one. At least I didn't do all 6. Any suggestions? I did not thin the preserver since the label said that wasn't necessary. This was probably a result of something I did wrong, but I'll be wary of us
Forum: rodboard

I'm building my first rod, a spiral wrapped 40-80 lb Seeker S-glass blank, and I've got the butt section a couple of inches too long. The rod is blank-through, and I''ve installed a reel seat, smooth-butt, and aluminum gimbal using Rod Bond. I need to know if there is any way to loosen the Rod Bond and remove the gimbal. I think I could then trim the smooth butt and reinstall the old gimbal
Forum: rodboard

Does anyone know if Rod Bond is OK for installing roller tip tops, #9 & up? Thanks. Rusty Hodnett
Forum: rodboard

For Tom Kirkman: I just attempted to log in, but my user name and password were not accepted. I had to go through the registration process again. What's the problem?
Forum: rodboard

In my infinite ignorance, I ordered several items from MudHole that I ended up returning. No problem whatsoever. Credit was issued and the replacement items arrived on a very timely basis. My conversations with them were courteous and informatative...no hassle on the return, etc. My experience couldn't have been more pleasant. Rusty Hodnett
Forum: rodboard

As a newcomer to this craft, I have a fundamental question regarding Unibutt, Tuff-Butt, and aluminum rod handles in general. How far into the handle/butt assembly does the blank extend? The Unibutt looks to have a ferrule that fits onto the blank which in turn is locked into the handle by a ferrule nut, meaning that there is only a few inches of rod in the handle. Is this correct? What about
Forum: rodboard

Now for the really stupid question: How do gimbals fasten to the end of the blank? Does the blank fit into the gimbal, or vice -versa? I've watched Ken Preston's DVD, but I don't remember anything about the butt. He showed how to fit the grip, sliding it all the way to the end of the blank, but nothing on the butt. It seems reasonable that the blank should fit into the gimbal. Assuming t
Forum: rodboard

I'm about to start on my first rod which will be a 20-50# saltwater boat rod. I'd like to do a spiral wrap. Is this inadvisable for my first project? Thanks, Rusty Hodnett
Forum: rodboard

OK, as the rankest of beginners, (I have yet to build my first rod), I would like to weigh in on Ken's DVD. After having read Tom Kirkman's book, the Mudhole catalog, and scouring this website, I found the visual aspects of rod wrapping very informative. Being, as I said, the rankest novice, I would like to have seen more info on the wrapping tool, jigs, etc. Ken was obviously using a powere
Forum: rodboard

Hi, everyone, I'm a new member and total beginner to this endeavor. I'm going to Charlotte, NC later today and would like to know if there is any place there that sells rodbuilding stuff. Thanks Rusty Hodnett
Forum: rodboard