CTS Makoi. See Don's Tackle on list of sponsors for specs.
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The Allstar Austin factory rods are a fine compromise of components and construction. The blank definitely makes this rod exceptional. I can speak of the AF's in 864-2, 866-2 and 8610/11-2. Based on these I would expect the rest of the line to be of similar quality. They are a joy to cast and have great power in their designated ranges. I have not taken any apart but I would be very surprised if
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I bought a used Clemens when I first made took the plunge into rod building. Due to my own lack of knowledge I spent far more than it was worth. It has taken me up to this very week to accumulate all the latest parts to bring this lathe up to date. I tell you this to support your choice of buying a new Renzetti. It is a superb machine at a great price for the quality, durablity and performan
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned the option of dressing up the "Threadless Wrap" with trim bands. Seems like a nice way to customize the look. I agree with Mike Barkley's concerns over the prospect of removing the Permagloss. The surface finish of many high end blanks are noted to be fragile. The Threadless Wrap seems to be associated with very light rods which only makes the proc
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Ed, Check out the Rezetti website on the Sponsor's List. Andy and company held their first Fly Fishng and Rod Building gathering in December 2006. A detailed description of the event is can be accessed by the link called " IN THE NEWS". It was a huge success and a great deal of money was gathered for charity. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the first one but I hope to make it to
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Tim, I should have said I use 3 or 4 coats of Permagloss on wraps made with A thread. The only time I use more coats is on double or triple wraps which have D thread; and then only if Permagloss is the the sole finish. The decision to use more coats on larger wrapping thread is all about the look. I like the added protection that Permagloss provides. To me, the heavy wraps look best when covered
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This seems like a great idea. Gander Mountain has a store about 35 miles from me. I may talk to them and see if I can generate interest in holding a similar gathering in Middletown, NY. If anyone is interested please email me directly. Dave customrodbuilder@hotmail.c&#
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Tom, you make a good point which I had not considered. There is always more to the picture than what appears on the surface. This is another example of how your stewardship of these events contribute to their continued success. Again, I tip my hat to you.
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It may have been my suggestion to Tom last summer that led him to invite Woodcraft to this year's Expo. I may have been the only person who actually expected them to sell many lathes and wood turning tools in the course of the weekend. They are a welcome addition to the premiere venue in rod building. I hope Woodcraft's success will attract Penn State Industries and even Grizzly Tools to future
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Joe, I was really looking forward to meeting you this year but the storm put the kabosh on that. I'm already thinking about next year. Your inspired work has vastly increased the scope for reel seat enhancements. It is rare to find such imaginative ideas executed with such precision. I tip my hat to you, sir. Dave
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US Air managed to destroy my chances of attending the Expo. I heard good things about the cork offered by the exhibitor: Cork Specialties Company. I'd like to contact them for more information on their products but that is proving to be very difficult. The phone number I found for a company called Cork Specialties Inc in Miami, Florida was disconnected. Can anyone provide their contact info?
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Thanks Mike.. that's definitely worthy of cosideration. Let us know if you try it. Dave
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Don't forget to factor in those of us who had flights cancelled due to the foul weather.
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Tom, Things are tenuous for me. Took one step outside to check the weather and took a hard fall on the 3/4" thick sheet of ice. US Airways is not taking my calls so I don't know if my flights are running. Have to change planes in Philly and that's another question mark. They plow the roads very well up here but now we have frozen ice pellets which make driving dicey, ifn ot downright i
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Hey Ray.. Have you been two-timing me? Dave
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The teacher may think the student will find it easier to feel the rod load with a heavier line. If that's his reasoning then he could use a 5 weight line on the 4 weight rod. Frankly I don't see the need to go to the expense of even for a cheap line. Most fly fishing is done within a short casting range; especially on a 4wt rod. I learned to cast on a 4wt rod and line by a highly quali
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I must add Mike Barkley for his extremely generous sharing of tutorials and other form of sound information. I don't know when he finds time to do any rod building.
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RodMaker Magazine is the undisputed Champion of Inspiration and accurate information on all aspects of custom rod building. There really is nothing to compare to its scope and detail in covering the craft. The articles are easy to read with photos guide us where a picture is needed. Next comes the contributions to this Forum. Whether in discussion or through photos; the many talented people her
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Camera - digital if possible
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Is this problem specific to the new brown finished SCV blanks? I have an older green SCV blank. Need I worry too?
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Have you considered using a Gimbal if needed in the rod holder but then cover it with a removable ribber butt cap. They don't cost much so I suggest getting a few. You could even tether the rubber cap so you won't lose it. One of the cardinal rules of Kayaking is to tether everything you want to keep. You look at a Rod Huki for and aid in fighting large fish with the rod held against your gut
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I see that blank on the Custom Tackle Supply web site under Lamiglass Boat and Trolling. Since it does not appear in the latest Lamiglass catalog I would suspect this is is a dicontinued product. It is definitely of the weight class for Halibut but as mentioned by others the length is a definite drawback. When a strong fish applies pressure to the tip of that rod the added length actually works i
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I see that blank on the Custom Tackle Supply web site under Lamiglass Boat and Trolling. Since it does not appear in the latest Lamiglass catalog I would suspect this is is a dicontinued product. It is definitely of the weight class for Halibut but as mentioned by others the length is a definite drawback. When a strong fish applies pressure to the tip of that rod the added length actually works i
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Are you sure it has a 30 tip? I have only seen that size tip on blanks used for Gaffs. A 29 can be found on some 130# class rods. I don't think there has ever been a snook on the planet that would be a require such a rod. At least not unless they were mutants created by readiation from an underwater nuclear explosion. Godzilla meets Snookie!
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I said a 7 feet is the preferred length because of the way one usually fights a fish from a kayak. Any longer and you run into problems with it being cumbersome and giving to much advantage to the fish. It's also hard to store a long one piece rod on most kayaks. I can see your point of setting the drag as high as you can handle. A strong fish will set your kayak moving in a matter of seconds
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What is the length of your Yak? You want to be able to clear the front. A 7 foot rod will do the trick on a 16 foot Kayak. That seems to be the favored length of Yakkers. As noted above you seem to be trying to get one "do it all" rod. As with most things this usually ends up with a rod that does nothing well. Most Kayak fishermen equip themselves with a good assortment of rods for
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I bought an a used Clemens lathe which was built by Renzetti. I wish I had purchased a new Renzetti instead. As it turned out I had to replace several costly parts to bring the Clemens up to date. By the time I add a foot pedal, 8 spool thread carriage and a new Rolling Carriage I will have spent as much as it costs for a new unit. The only difference is in the rail beds. The Clemens has 4 foot
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Over exposure to Linseed Oil can wreak havoc on your health. I would caution against rubbing it on with your bare hand. Use latex gloves and a sponge or coffee filter. I have used both U-40 Cork Seal and Tru Oil. They are both excellent. If I want to maintain the light buff color of clean cork I apply the cork seal. The Tru Oil creates a p[articularly nice effect on burl cork. It darkens all
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A skeleton seat with a nice wood insert, while costing more, will add a lot of flair to your rod. The REC is a high end way to go. Fugi Graphite skeletons are much less expensive. Several wood turners sell these ready made. If you want help finding one just email me. I know two turners who can do this very well.
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The refrigerator has been my "safe" for Permagloss bottles for years. I store them upside down in a sealed plastic container.Started adding a couple of those little bags of dessicant to the container holding the bottle. Not sure it increases life span as it the PG stayed in good shape without them. I get to use all the contents unless the cap cracks. I do warm the portion I pour out by
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