A custom rod I made with marbeling went through a fire. The epoxy over the butt wrap (where the marbeling was done), and the first eye has melted / cracked. Couple of questions...first, did the heat potentially affect the strength of the rod? Is there anyway that I can check it? Second, how do I go about repairing the epoxy over the marbeling? Thanks!
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the input gentlemen. I have some birdseye maple that I'm going to try for my first handle. I'll try to send a post when I get it finished!
Forum: rodboard

I have a great opportunity to turn some wooden handles for fishing rods. A friend of mine has been turning wood for years and thought we could combine rod building and wood for a really personal touch. Has anyone done this? Is there a wood you liked better than others? What considerations should I be looking at? Any thoughts would be great. Thanks! Larry
Forum: rodboard

Kevin, I've struggles with this on the last rod I built. Couldn't get the gel pen to not smear. I ended up trying a technique my son had used for a writing class he had in college. He took a small branch - maple I think, about the size of a pencil. He took a knife and sharpened the point so it was super fine. I then dipped the very tip of the point in testors model paint (same color I use
Forum: rodboard