I like the Flex Coat 18 RPM unit.
Forum: rodboard

That is one very impressive list of exhibitors lined up for the Expo. The only problem is figuring out how to divide my time between the seminars and all the suppliers. Maybe this year I'll wear inline skates. As for the food issue... the diner a few blocks to the left when you leave the Best Western offers very good food at incredibly reasonable prices. I found the food served at the
Forum: rodboard

I just booked flights and a room at the Best Western for the Expo. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Expo fever is building rapidly! David
Forum: rodboard

Tom, I appreciate your diligence in keeping names visible. I'm sure this has been a contributing factor in the success of this Forum. Thank you for your good work.
Forum: rodboard

Ferrule Lube is still listed for sale on the Renzetti website.
Forum: rodboard

I hope you heal fast and get your computer up to speed soon. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Looking forward to see what new things you'll be offering.
Forum: rodboard

There are some very nice old and new fiberglass blanks whose actions are similar to those of bamboo rods. Fiberglass blanks are enjoying a resurgence of popularity for good reason. The good ones have thinner walls than we usually expect when we think of fiberglass ... and that means less weight. The slower action is closer to bamboo while retaining excellent controllability. Frankl
Forum: rodboard

Here's a link for instructions on making your own agate guides.
Forum: rodboard

Tom, In all the years I have known you I must say you have set a stellar example in the manner you conduct yourself personally and professionally. This is not the first unwarranted complaint leveled against you and it surely won't be the last. As with all such misguided efforts it backfired. Once again the Forum readers get a glimpse of your thoughtful and classy response to a chea
Forum: rodboard

Two piece is the way to go with long surf rods. Most breakage happens in transit. Modern rods don't forfeit anything when ferruled properly.
Forum: rodboard

Bob Meiser employs a carbide boat guide for the stripping guide on all his switch and spey rods. He says he does it to prevent potential problems with ring failure. I would think Minima guides would be a good alternative for the running guides. I look forward to see what others think as I too plan to build a switch rod for surf fishing.
Forum: rodboard

My guess is that the tip is stressed the least as it is at the most flexible point of the blank. The rest of the load is distributed across the remaining guides. I would think the load increases on each guide closer to the butt with the greatest load placed on the spool of the reel. This is just my intuitive take on the matter. Would like to hear a mechanical engineer's response.
Forum: rodboard

The Renzetti Rod Lathe is the best commercial unit I have yet to see. It costs a lot more than most of the others but that's the one I like best. The rod supports provide a lot of working room around the blank. I like that. All parts are built to last a lifetime. You can buy one directly from Renzetti or from Mudhole and perhaps other dealers listed on the Sponsor Menu. Occasionally a
Forum: rodboard

Waterworks Lamson made a great reel called the Radius which is now discontinued. These reels can still be found. If you send me an email I can connect you with a possible source for a new one. The Radius 4 is sized for a 9/10 line. The great thing about these reels is their totally sealed drag. It's the same concentric system used on the company's current high end reels like the Lights
Forum: rodboard

I used black heat shrink tubing on my last surf rod build. It's a really secure non-slip grip which also adds protection to the blank. Very easy to replace if it becomes worn. So far it's my favorite grip material for surf rods.
Forum: rodboard

I suggest you first find out how you want the rod to balance. That means testing different rods or different set ups of the one you are making. Do you want the rod to tip up .. slightly or a lot... when you hold it in one hand? Or do you want it to point down to one degree or another? Once you find out the balance that suits you best you can then go about creating it. Obviously the le
Forum: rodboard

What exactly is your question?
Forum: rodboard

It's not a motorized Epoxy Finish Mixer for $36. Not even a $200 blank marked down to $30. No. Hands down the single most valuable item available today to the rod building community is: RodMaker Magazine. I have believed this to be the case ever since receiving my first issue in 2002. Then a few days ago I decided to look through my RM collection for all articles pertaining to th
Forum: rodboard

Bill: It's similar.. but the "Presentation Wrapper" in RM is done in custom woods and probably has more features. Mark: I'll be in touch.. Thanks.
Forum: rodboard

Is the wrapper featured in the current issue of RM the same as the Signature Wrapper sold through Merrick Tackle? If not, does Mark sell this special version? I would have contacted Mark but his email is hidden. Thanks, DG
Forum: rodboard

According to their website Backlash does not ship overseas at this time.
Forum: rodboard

I never heard of such a heavy ten foot rod. What is it used for?
Forum: rodboard

The Hardy website speaks about the use of a new 3M product in their graphite rods. Sounds like the same thing. They mention that there are 4 rod companies with this technology.
Forum: rodboard

Check out the Hercules blanks on the NERBS website. They are exceptional live bait rods.
Forum: rodboard

Most seem to prefer Tite Bond III wood glue for gluing up cork rings. I would think it will be fine for sheets of thin cork too. It doesn't create a hard or thick glue line. I butter one side only.
Forum: rodboard

Read up on the New Guide Concept System in the LIbrary (above) before deciding on the guide sizes. No matter which style or brand you choose follow the NGC to determine the guide sizes. The size of your reel spool determines the location of the Butt Guide. That will show you the proper size to use. The line path will determine the choke guide position. The article will explain it all ver
Forum: rodboard

i have an old never used Allstar Austin 8ft- 6wt-2pc rod. You can have it for $125 and strip it down to rewrap it in custom colors. These were among the lightest rods ever made. It's a great fast action rod.
Forum: rodboard

As informative and helpful the members of this Forum are you will still not find more detailed and accurate information than that which is presented in RodMaker Magazine. Frankly it is the single most comprehensive source of custom rod building information available today. I strongly urge you to subscribe asap as well as purchase any past issues for topics of specific interest to you. It
Forum: rodboard

Hi Chris, I happen to love fishing bamboo rods. The slower action just feels much more pleasant to me. A quality fiberglass blank has similar qualities. There is a resurgence in high end custom fiberglass blanks. Check out : There are a number of excellent blank makers. I am particularly impressed with the work of a Mr. Kabuto of Japan. That said, fiberglass an
Forum: rodboard

The Austin 10/11 is not soft at all. It's a great blank. I had a factory 8'6"- 2pc Austin rod which I sold to a Tarpon fisherman. I still have a 9' - 4pc blank which is about as tough as any you can name.
Forum: rodboard