I use Gator blanks but my favorite is the T80H which I use for 7' gaffs. Rick
Forum: rodboard

Hi Bruce, What finish do you use to coat your rods? Rick Popola
Forum: rodboard

Since 1957. I was 14 years old. Rick
Forum: rodboard

Hi Steve, I often cut a recess for the butt cap on many of the rods that I build. I just wrap some masking tape around the grip to use as a guide and I use sandpaper to cut the recess while the grip is turning on a mandrel. I find that the grip will expand when it is stretched over the blank so I usually sand the recess so that the cap fits loose before installing the grip on the rod.
Forum: rodboard

I use the same method as Bill but I use a material such as "Marine Tex" to make a smooth transition from the cork to the blank. I then finish and wrap from the blank up the cork.
Forum: rodboard

Hi Tim, I also use a Brother Labelmaker for my inscriptions and I coat the edges with "Hard As Nails". It takes a few minutes to dry and then I apply my finish. Rick
Forum: rodboard

The gaff hook that I use has a "tang" on the end. I use my rotary tool to cut that off so that the hook will just fit into the end of the blank with a little play. I then make upward cuts all around the gaff hook to give the hook more "grip" in the epoxy. I use a thick slow cure epoxy similar to Rodbond. It is important to put epoxy up into the shaft before inserting the h
Forum: rodboard

Hi Mark, I use a Gatorglass T80H which is a 8' blank cut 1 foot from the tip. Regards, Rick
Forum: rodboard