Bill, I'm booked on the same flight. I won't know until Thursday if I will actually make the trip. If I go you'll see me. I'll be wearing a tan cap with the Custom Rod Symbol. Will be happy to split the cab with you. I'll be going to the Atrium just a few blocks from the Best Western. Dave
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I suggest bringing a camera, pad and pen, a back pack or shoulder bag is handy for carrying all the items you buy, and don't forget lots of cash. Also be sure to take Jim Upton's rod building basic seminar and Billy Vivona's wrapping seminars. I'm sure your questions will be answered. Dave Gilberg
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This is a big topic to explore from many angles. The Forum is a fantastic source of information on every aspect of such an endeavor. I strongly suggest you dedicate a good amount of time and effort searching the Forum (always using ALL DATES) The Forum history is a bountiful gold mine. The search function is your drill. I know the gold is buried there. I've found it every time I se
Forum: rodboard

This is a big topic to explore from many angles. The Forum is a fantastic source of information on every aspect of such an endeavor. I strongly suggest you dedicate a good amount of time and effort searching the Forum (always using ALL DATES) The Forum history is a bountiful gold mine. The search function is your drill. I know the gold is buried there. I've found it every time I se
Forum: rodboard

Check out the Dan Craft FT series of rods listed on the CCS board. They seem to have the fastest action of all entries. While I myself have never built on one they have received rave reviews on this forum from many builders.
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One year my flight was cancelled due to snow. Last year my return flight was switched. They sent me back to NY via Detroit. There was no snow in NC or in NYC but they had 6 inches on the ground in Detroit with more coming every minute. I don't know how they were able to keep the runways clear for our take off.. but we made it. We're due for some nice weather for a change.
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Glenn, Your email is hidden. Unhide it and I'll send you some more info. Dave
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When the weather starts warming up birds begin their molt. My local pet shop owner is kind enough to save all loose feathers for me when that happens. Store feathers in plastic bags with some cloves. That's a tip I learned from Mary Dette of Dette Trout Flies.. the oldest family owned fly shop in the country.
Forum: rodboard

Birch rings can make for a heavy grip. Boring the grip makes sense especially on a 4 weight rod. I think a full length arbor is the way to go and the poly foam type is all I use. I don't see why a graphite arbor wouldn't work too but I've only seen them in short lengths. A full length arbor would bond all the parts together better. Foam is so light even a full length arbor will reduc
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Jonathon: The SEARCH link above is the best place to go with a question like that. Be sure to search ALL DATES to get the best results. Here"s a link from a search I just ran using the term: Shaping guide feet If you need more answers enter the topic with different wording. . . such as "guide prep" Most guide feet need to be prepped in some way even when they are
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Karen, I'll be happy to thank you in person at the show... David
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I would have figured out a way to stay there the entire week and wait for the show. I only work part time so a couple days of missed work wouldn't have been a problem. But yeah.. I would have felt like an even bigger dunce than I do now.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Fred; I didn't know that. What a shame. I guess the flounder population must be in bad shape. I guess I can forget that project and focus on building a fly rod for stripers in the surf. It's a good thing I enjoy lots of different types of fishing.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Gabe. That's a reasonably priced blank in the $80 range. I'll check it out at the Expo. To me a top dollar blank for this application would run upwards of $125. I don't do that much flounder fishing to justify the expense. I'd appreciate hearing other suggestions as well. Dave
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Barry, I booked the trip through Priceline. They charged me $28.37 to for canceling the hotel booking.. and wanted another $30 for canceling the flight but told me to cancel directly with the airline (US Air) and possibly save on that fee. US Air charged me $150 to effect the flight changes. All water under the bridge now. It just puts a crimp on my spending at the show but that doesn
Forum: rodboard

Seeking blank suggestions for a winter Flounder rod for Raritan Bay and Jamaica Bay in the NYC area. Specs: 6'6" - 7' / 10 - 20 # line / lure wt. 1/2 - 1 1/2 oz / 1 or 2 pc / Mod - Fast Action Bumper Spiral build with Micro Guides (the Fuji angled micros) Matched with a Shimano Conquest 401 reel. I'm not a fan of very fast action blanks for this application.
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I'm all set with a room at the Atrium. Thanks
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Jay.. thank you too. I didn't see your post. Dave
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Barry and Fred; Thanks ! I booked a room at the Atrium. If you see me say hello. Dave
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I booked R/T flight and hotel for the Expo about 3 Fridays ago. Today, while reading Karen Hapka's Forum entry about a surprise at the upcoming Expo I thought she got the dates wrong. I was about to correct her and decided I better check the facts just to be sure... Lo and behold I had booked the wrong weekend!!! To make matters worse the flights were non-refundable. I really didn't want to j
Forum: rodboard

I agree with Tom and Herb. The first step is to find what is most comfortable for you when fishing for some time. Proper balance becomes more critical with heavier gear. Note Tom suggested opting for a larger size DIAMETER and not simply a larger ARBOR. The goal here is to add weight by adding line. Sometimes a narrow arbor reel will hold the right amount of line to add the desired weight. T
Forum: rodboard

Bill: The RodMaker Volume 10 #3 article covered the topic of grips extremely well. I highly recommend subscribing to RM if you have already done so. The 3M Sharkskin fly line is my favorite. In addition to reducing friction and floating higher I like the way they drape so limply. I don't think I will ever go back to regular lines. The only negatives I find is the noise they create du
Forum: rodboard

I build mostly for my own use. Since I enjoy many different types of fishing I keep my options as open as possible. I search the offerings from many manufacturers (preferring those who support this site) and try to find the best blank for the specific application. Price will sometime dictate the final choice. For trout fly fishing I no longer use graphite. It's hard to explain but Bamboo
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Not that bigger is always better.... The added capacity of 6 inch cut off wheels seems well worth an additional $8.00. This unit appears sturdier as well.
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Thanks Ken. I see they also have a larger and more capable 6" wheel unit for about $40. I was thinking it would be a better deal overall. I do have a 10" compound miter saw but that's for large wood projects.
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Now that I see that nice little power saw I think I'll get one. It looks quite handy for a lot of uses.
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I"ve had great success cutting blanks with a sharp edged triangle file. While not as fast as the power tool route it's not a big job. I tape off the blank leaving a clear cut line. Just take care to avoid breathing any of the dust.
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Tom, Your passion for excellence is apparent in every issue of RodMaker. The shift to full color will only enhance your already wonderful publication. I treasure my RM collection. I'll be happy to see you again in High Point in Feb. David Gilberg
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I think Ken meant the ProWrap comes in A and D sizes.
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Roll them and trade 'em in for new pennies at the bank.
Forum: rodboard