I watched Joe demonstrate these techniques at Ralph O'Quinn's U-40 booth at the very first Expo. He was kind enough to let me try my hand at it while he talked me through every step of the way. That's one of the reasons I keep going to the Expos as often as I can... the instruction available there is simply amazing. I purchased one of the pointed spatulas for applying rod finishing epoxy.
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Bill... It's just my luck that every time I look to buy a burl the ones I really like have been sold. I'm not kidding... every single time! This year my luck will change.
Forum: rodboard

Bill... It's just my luck that every time I look to buy a burl the ones I really like have been sold. I'm not kidding... every single time! This year my luck will change.
Forum: rodboard

Tom, I call them micro guides because that's how they're listed in catalogs. I think I'll invest in a set and test it out. The TLDBSG's seem sturdy and I don't see a problem with the K's for reduction guides. I don't see why it won't work out great. I'll post results when it's done. Thanks James for your input.
Forum: rodboard

Tom, I saw Billy V's reference to the use of # 6 TLBDSG guides on a surf rod in an earlier post. I plan to use nothing larger than 30# braid or lighter with no knots passing through the guides. Steve Gardner told me long ago that even the tiny micros can pass #30 braid. This will be just for plugs up to 3 ounces. My basic question is if micros offer any advantage on such a rod.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks James. Ryan White of Hatteras Jack suggested using a reversed low rider for the first guide and then K guides. I'm just wondering if Micros offer any distinct advantage.
Forum: rodboard

I bought a 10'6" Century surf blank at the Expo rated for 3/4 - 3 oz. The plan is to build it as a spinning rod for plugging. Having never used micros or K style I'm at a loss for choosing guides for this build. The blank is quite light so I'd like to keep the weight down on the guides. Titanium is certainly an option no matter what style i choose. Micros? K series? Low Riders? A
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Steve; I'll keep trying. My luck is bound to change.
Forum: rodboard

Every time I visit your site the nicest pieces of each wood type have already been sold. This has been the case for years. It's a little disheartening to say the least. It seems that some people get first choice before the rest go on sale.
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Billy; you're just too funny!
Forum: rodboard

I've been researching band saws for some time and I'm convinced there are no cheap options if one wants precise cuts. The 10" models of even the name brands leave a lot to be desired in accuracy and capacity. Like Billy, I've concluded that the Grizzly GO555 Ultimate 14" Band Saw is the best in class for my needs. It's available in white as the Polar Bear version for $495 whi
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Tom; Please delete "if" from your vocabulary with regard to all future Expos. Seriously... they have become vital to the happiness of so many people like me.
Forum: rodboard

This was my 4th Expo and they really do get better each time. The seminars were exceptionally fine this year. While I realize the attendance was up over previous years the atmosphere was pleasantly calm. The amount of new items was staggering. Met a lot of old friends and made new ones. Enjoyed three wonderful dinners at local restaurants. The free breakfast at the Best Western was an
Forum: rodboard

His lathe seminars are chock full of information. That's a nice addition. I can't wait!! Dave
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Sammy.. Hide a can for me, too... Looking forward to seeing you again. Dave
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I'll be flying in Friday around 2:40 PM and will be showing the Int"l Rod Building Symbol. Dave
Forum: rodboard

It would help if you were more specific as to the purpose of this surf rod. Are you planning to throw plugs or metal or bait and some weight? Spinning or conventional casting? What kind of fish are you targeting.. and where? Are you a big strong guy? Your answers to these questions will help generate more helpful responses to your query.
Forum: rodboard

Check the photo of the hook keeper on a rod next to the pic of the keeper in the Mudhole Catalog. It shows the orientation.
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Hope you have more RodMaker Symbol caps for us bald guys...
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The weather is expected to be favorable for travel from New York as well. That's always a great relief.
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Thank you, Tom. I had asked if it was possible to see a demonstration of the Tormek Sharpening System. I'm hoping either Morris Schlesinger or Woodcraft will have one at the show. The offer to sharpen tools is very generous of Mr. Schlesinger. Unfortunately I'll be flying in and won't take the chance of having my turning tools seized by the TSA. David Gilberg
Forum: rodboard

I attended a Tenkara demonstration at The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in 2010. One of the experts was a Neurologist from Japan who builds Tenkara rods from a single piece of bamboo. This is no small task. It takes him about a year of searching to find a bamboo stalk that is long and straight enough with all the right characteristics. Then comes the laborious work of reaming it an
Forum: rodboard

Space and good layout is a concern but it's not cramped. I dedicated a 13' X 13' bedroom for the power tool workshop. If necessary I can create another 10' X 8' work area by taking over the "eat-in" half of the kitchen. This area would be best for operations which don't generate dust. Once I get it all done I'll post photos. I do all my rod wrapping and epoxy work in a diffe
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Thanks for the tips. I stumbled upon Wood Mag's Online Forum and it looks helpful as well. I'll start with Wood Mag and Woodturning Design. DG
Forum: rodboard

I'm in the process of upgrading my workshop with an assortment of power tools. I'd like to find one or two magazines which help woodworkers the way RodMaker helps rod builders. Current Tools: Jet 1014 Lathe w/ Oneway Talon Chuck Sorby Turning Tools Tormek Supergrind 2000 Sharpening System Grizzly Benchtop Drill Press Ryobi 6" Dual Bench Grinder Dremel Tool + accessories Drem
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Either that motor needs an electrician or an exorcist.
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Cal... The Expo sets the standard for all rod building shows. Nothing else even comes close. Not only are all the booths related to rod building but the seminars are unparalleled in their scope and detail. Even the first Expo was a blast and they have gotten so much better each year since. But meeting and being among so many other nice people who share the same interest is, for me, the
Forum: rodboard

I wonder if it would be possible for Morris Schlessinger to demonstrate how to sharpen lathe tools on a Tormek system.
Forum: rodboard

You can buy old fishing rods at yard sales and strip them down. Cut them into short pieces and have lots of test blanks to play with. A good thing to make is a color wrap test strip with a band of each color thread with Color Preserver and one without CP... and also NCP thread. That will help you choose thread colors on all your future rod builds. Good luck in all your rod building a
Forum: rodboard

I'll be on US Airways Flight # 3531 from La Guardia (NYC) to Greensboro, NC Friday, Feb. 24th at 12:55PM. Would be happy to have a chance to talk rod building.
Forum: rodboard