HELP!!! I've taken up a new hobby, building ice-fishing rods. I have never done any of this before so I expected lots of mistakes. At least I have not been disappointed...lol Okay, I'm turning down the handles on a wood lathe, the problem is that I can't get the hole drilled into the handle straight. I have tried drilling after the handle is turned, I've tried drilling the hole in the square han
Forum: rodboard

Where can I obtain a small hobby lathe for rod building work, either on line or from some mail order compNY
Forum: rodboard

Just wondering what lathes you would reccomend for turning cork and wood. I do not need a monster lathe but one that could handle 18-20 inches at the most. Maybe some brand names and where I could check these out. thanks Doug
Forum: rodboard

I have been looking at a mini bandsaw, mini table saw, and a mini drill press, for a new rod shop I'm building. I will be using these tools for rod building, pen making, and other small projects. I have a mini lathe. I would appreciate any post showing make and model number of any of the above three tools that you are happy with their performance. I have a mini Delta bandsaw and have not h
Forum: rodboard

Hey guys- I'm trying to decide among the various manufacturers out there who put out a good quality mini-lathe. So far, I have looked at the Jet-mini and the Grizzley products. I have no experience whatsoever when it comes to these tools, so I'd appreciate any feedback from those who have used either (or ideally, both) to help with making my decision. To be used exclusively for turning handle
Forum: rodboard

How do you set up a Jet mini lathe to endbore wooden rod handles?
Forum: rodboard

I am trying to plan well ahead for a couple of rods I would like to try this winter. I am new to rod making as this will be my first attempt. This is really two questions. 1) Should I try to turn my own grips or buy a pre made St. Croix? 2) If I am to turn my own, should I spend some money on a bench top drill press or save it and clamp down a hand drill? I don't really want to buy a l
Forum: rodboard

Quite some time ago there was a post about guide foot preparation. There was a response that there was a sanding disc (?) or similar that most people bought and used to prepare their guide feet. I copied that post, and many others; however recently my computer crashed and I lost a lot of information. Would someone please tell me what most people use for quality guide preparation. Thank you, Tom H
Forum: rodboard

Evening Guys, I have begun toying with the idea of turning my own reel seats. I'm going to get a mini lathe and try my luck. I've been doing some research online, but I'd like some input from you guys that do this. Is there a book (or video preferably) out there that can help me along my way? If I want a decent setup, what is the approximate cost? And which lathes do you prefer. Like I sa
Forum: rodboard

I'm looking at purchasing a midi lathe for turning handles. Right now I am leaning towards a Penn State Industries Turncrafter Plus. 18", extends to 40", 1/2 hp, five speeds. More reasonable than the Delta or Jet, and actually accepts a longer mandrel. Has anyone out there used a PSI lathe? I'm looking for a product review. Penn State has a website where they sell all three brands. Lo
Forum: rodboard

Yea, I know. Not another power wrapper thread! I did do a search on the subject but still confused. Im ready to jump into one and want to know your opinion on what to buy. I really love the Renzetti Inc. but cant afford it. What would you buy?
Forum: rodboard

Is anyone successfully using the Grizzly Hobby Lathe or similar setup to turn hardwood reel seat inserts? What has been your experience?
Forum: rodboard

I recently read the dialogue about mini lathes, and have been looking at them as well. What I saw was the Jet and Delta both retailed for $300, and both had extensions @ around $50. Both had variable speeds, achieved by stopping the unit and changing the belt to another pulley. The Delta was easier to change, since access was right in the front. For another $50, Jet makes a variable speed lathe u
Forum: rodboard

I just picked up a Shop Smith for $300.00 from my neighbor. I am very excited. I was going to buy the Jet Mini Lathe but I figured for $100.00 more why not get the tool that does everything. QUESTION: I want to turn my grips on the lathe using a mandral. When sizing for a specifice rod I guess you would go with a mandral with the OD the same size as the largest ID of the blank where the grip
Forum: rodboard

Hi all, my request is for recomendations for a mini lathe. I was looking at a variable speed Jet lathe here locally and it looks like it was factory set up for wood. Since I know next to nothing about lathes, I was hoping that some of you who have them can advise me. What, if any modifications or additions will I need for the head and tail stock?. I plan on doing some grips (latest issue of Rodm
Forum: rodboard

This is the updated RodMaker index for the last 7 volumes. It will also be installed in the online library this weekend for easier reference. ........ RodMaker Magazine Index Volumes 1 through 7 (V=Volume, #=Issue Number) *Rod Building News and the Q&A Column are not included in this index. ROD BUILDING TECHNIQUES AND METHODS Finishing Problems Solved by Tom Kirkman – V1 #3 Cleaner
Forum: rodboard

What would be a good length and width to build a workbench for rod building? I will only be using it for rod building. I don't plan on building fly rods.
Forum: rodboard

i have the jet lathe and love it. i was looking at the psi turncrafter which has a 3/4hp motor as opposed to the 1/2hp on the jet. is there a noticeable difference. i am interested as i am becoming a tool junkie as well and would like another lathe, but only if it is worth it.
Forum: rodboard

I just bought a minilathe (Jet) and want to try my hand at turning handles. Is there someplace I can get less than select quality rings to practice with? Also, I got Clemens book on thread art and would like to practice some of the patterns before I put them on an actual rod. Do any of the suppliers sell scrap blanks that I could use for practice? I'm going to try dowels but would like to use
Forum: rodboard

I was wondering if anyone knows where I might be able to pick up a Grizzly Hobby Lathe,or similar priced power drill/lathe for cork grips,in Canada(I'm in BC)? Thanks.
Forum: rodboard

With no more access to a lathe, I need to buy one. I wanted a Turncrafter but suddenly they are sold out until Sept. Same with the Jets. Can't find a lathe to save my life unless it's a no name brand on @#$%&. I have a feeling that every rodbuilder out there grabbed them before I did. I'll probably just get a Home Depot POS or use a drill press until I can find a good one or Sept. whichever come
Forum: rodboard

Over a year ago I purchased an "economy" mini lathe. This was my first lathe and at the time I imagined that I would only need it for turning cork handles etc. I am now regretting making such a purchase as the spindle does not run true. Also the tail stock and headstock do not meet at dead centre. All of this translates into chuck and mandrel wobble making it next to impossible to do
Forum: rodboard

Being of the opinion that the odd pat on the back does no harm, thought you ` colonial' guys & gals may be interested in this. I took delivery of a new Renzetti lathe today (about five hours ago). Got it through a friend in the US of A. I had minor queries about the electrics, (your 110V we're 240V in UK) so phoned Andy Renzetti. I doubt if it would be possible to be more professional and he
Forum: rodboard

Hi Guys and Gals, I want a new setup. The stuff I have works well for me, but I want newer and better toys. Currently I hand wrap everything with just my two hands and a fly tying bobbin. I do my cork grips on a mandrel with a cork clamp and then turn them with a drill mounted to a 1x6, then ream with reamers. For a dryer, I have the angler's workshop drying motor and one support clamped to
Forum: rodboard

I currently turn cork on a homemade drill setup, but I would like to step into a lathe. I have looked at both Jet and Grizzly. Is the lathe all I need? I hear about "live centers" and those appear to be optional, do I need one? Also, do I need special mandrels or will the non threaded rod I currently use work in a stock lathe? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Forum: rodboard

I'd like to get a Band Saw to make some Foam grips. Something similar to the Wood grips that Ray J. has posted recently. Maybe some Chevrons, & things along those lines. I probably won't use it much, so I don't need an expensive one, but I don't want a cheap one which will make the process unbearable - been there done that with a Harbor Freight lathe. At this point, all I know about Band S
Forum: rodboard

Just an update of the first 6 or so years of RodMaker for those searching for a particular article. I haven't added volume 7 #1, but it is listed with the table of contents on the back issue page at the RodMaker website .......... RodMaker Magazine Index Volumes 1 through 6 (V=Volume, #=Issue Number) *Rod Building News and the Q&A Column are not included in this index. ROD BUILDING TE
Forum: rodboard

Per Bill's Doherty's post on the buy/sell page today (Bill, your email is not valid) the WoodCraft store in Greensboro, NC will be offering the non-variable speed Jet mini lathe at 10% off the regular $199 price on April 17th. One day only. Store sales only. ..........
Forum: rodboard

Hi All, I recently set up a small cork lathe with a milwaukee drill and a bearing mounted in wood for the tailstock. It works great on cork and will be a great time saver (though dust maker). I'd like to try and turn some wood inserts and/or rings. Will this setup have enough juice to do it? The drill is a milwaukee magnum 5.5A. I'd be chucking the wood on a piece of all thread, held in pla
Forum: rodboard

Sorry to bring this up again but here goes. I presently have a Renzetti and a Clisby mini metal lathe (and it's mini). But neither seem to be suited for what I want to do. Cork is great on the Renzetti but that is about it. The legtn of the Clisby is very short. What I would like to be able to accomplish is to turn wood reel seats and also metal real seat parts all on the same lathe. Is the
Forum: rodboard