I use 100% tung oil and I like the look of it. It gets shiny also with several coats. Just be sure you are glued up well because these rings are made up of many many layers which are less than paper thin. Go very slow when turning or else you will break several times like I did on my first attempt.
Forum: rodboard

Tom, when I open this site and go to photos, I do not see the Most Recent pictures below the Categories. I dont know if it is me or something I did but it has been that we all day.
Forum: rodboard

I like it. Very effective color contrasts. Thank you Tom.
Forum: rodboard

Unfortunately I am having the same issues. I have been trying to order some things from him for 2 months and can get no response. I have sent now about 7 emails without response. I did use the auto-order on one handle and it is supposedly on the way. But I have a larger order for several handles which I need help in ordering and can raise no one. I hope this was just an anomaly. I believe he a
Forum: rodboard

A lot of bassing folks have used fiberglass for cranking because the rods are softer than graphite and less likely to pull the hooks out of the fish's mouth on hookset. I have two casting rods of fiberglass and really like them. I also have some graphite casting rods and really like them. It is a matter of taste. Either will work, you just have to experiment and find what you prefer. I defini
Forum: rodboard

I have found that very tiny rhinestones I get from Michael's work fantastically. I put them on the ferrel wrap on one side and the rod on the other. Then coat over them with finish and they are there permanently. In bright sunlight, you cant fail to see them--for all you guy who are old like me.
Forum: rodboard

I was going to say that it looks a lot like cedar. The fingernail test is good for determining how soft it is. I did a lot of cedar shake roofing at one time and boy it really looks like it.
Forum: rodboard

I am never surprised to find women in any profession these days. They bring a different perspective to the craft. My wife enjoys helping me sometimes. She is better with contrasting colors than I am. She also is a good critic in that she seldom tells me I did something wrong--it usually is that I could do it better.
Forum: rodboard

I use tiny glass dots I get at Michaels and epoxy them in. They dont run and look good, especially in the sunlight. Dave
Forum: rodboard

Tom, I am always grateful that you find the time to just say hello. I cant tell you how much I appreciate what you do and the hours you put in to make everything wonderful for the rest of us. I have been in your shoes on other business matters for my company and it is really difficult to try to see everyone and just spend a moment or two. You did another marvelous job and we enjoyed the show imm
Forum: rodboard

You might try looking up "fade" in the SEARCH routine. That will give you some ideas on what you can do with a fade. It would also be neat to use like 6 to 10 different colors to gradually go from dark blue to white. You have enough room with a fairly long wrap.
Forum: rodboard

the short answer is NO PROBLEM. GO FISH.
Forum: rodboard

I have gotten so spoiled by REC guides, I dont use anything else on rods down to 2wt. I really dont like the way snakes look. Since I am pretty rough on equipment, the RECs are just what I need and they are good for casting.
Forum: rodboard

You need to get a Grizzly catalogue. I have used mine for 6-7 years. I love it for cork. I use a more expensive drill in it and it has not been replaced. The cheap ones dont seem to last.
Forum: rodboard

Billy, this reminds me of the rod I did a few years ago that we called the Rod So Bright You Have to Have Sunglasses to USE. It started as a joke for a friend and ended up as one that I did at least 7 or 8 copies. I only had like 6 colors on it and did a fade but the colors were all extremely bright NEONS. That was great. Yours should be even better. Posts required after you're done!!!!
Forum: rodboard

For those that are not aware of it, Janns NetCraft is located in a suburb of Toledo OH(Maumee). I frequent it and they have an excellent stock of blanks and rod building supplies. If you are a business, ask about the St Croix deal. I got my sweet 5 wt travel rod from them (St Croix). I dont think they build rods but they do repairs.
Forum: rodboard

That's how I finally figured out I could to it effectively. I tried a lot of other ideas first and the lathe is the way to go.
Forum: rodboard

That's how I finally figured out I could to it effectively. I tried a lot of other ideas first and the lathe is the way to go.
Forum: rodboard

That's how I finally figured out I could to it effectively. I tried a lot of other ideas first and the lathe is the way to go.
Forum: rodboard

That's how I finally figured out I could to it effectively. I tried a lot of other ideas first and the lathe is the way to go.
Forum: rodboard

I made one of the Upton styled ones. It was easy and all the things I needed were at Michaels. I probably have $10-15 in it with the things I bought. I used some hobby plywood instead of acryllic sheets to make the base. It was a lot cheaper and I dont need to see thru it. If you do one like it, be careful with cutting the slots in the foam. I have a few that are angled and it gets me off ever
Forum: rodboard

I have been watching WFN for a couple of months. I think it will go like several other networks. All the fishing shows will be there, so you will have to get it or not get any at all. I have also been watching the rods and actions. One that I have become aware of is the crankbait casting rods. Watch the deflection of Skeet Reece's cranking stick. The first time I watched it carefully, I though
Forum: rodboard

Contact Janns NetCraft (to the left). They have a deal on St Crois. I built a 5wt, 4piece in May and it is fantastic. Great caster and just what I wanted a 5 wt to do. I think they also carry Matrix but I have not built on that one.
Forum: rodboard

My opinion is that you should decide what tool will basically do everything you want or think you would want it to do, then buy the next level up. By doing this, you get one that will do what you want but has the capability to do more when you learn to use it and then decide you want to try something that was not on your original list. For example, I bought a hobby lathe to just do cork. Never
Forum: rodboard

I would bet North Carolina was closer to Texas than Washington!!!
Forum: rodboard

I bet there are more USABLE advances from mistakes than from trying. Go with my old 1960's way of life--IF IT FEELS GOOD, DO IT! dave
Forum: rodboard

Ron, We used to have a gathering in Houston at the Allstar plant. It was great and we would have folks from all over come. I would guess that there would be about 50 or so show up. The Allstar folks were just great and would give us a tour of their facility and then we would have a little get together to show off what was brought for show and tell, and to eat and have some great fellowship. B
Forum: rodboard

Well, at least they did not say New and Improved!!!! (see my earlier post) Some of these nimrods like to use words that sound technical and really are not. They sometimes are even made up for advertising. These are some of the same people who wear microphone head sets in TV commercials, except they are not "plugged in"! Please laugh everytime you read or see such obvious ignorance
Forum: rodboard

I just hope we dont get into a "New and Improved" situation like the soap companies! Add a little sawdust and it suddenly is New and Improved!!!!!
Forum: rodboard

I personnally think the economic conditions are worse in most areas than people think. I have been to several states lately where unemployment used to be reasonably low and is now high and getting worse. When your average fisherman can't afford to go out fishing because he/she has to save every penny to feed the family or keep their house, dont expect them to buy a custom rod at any price. Ther
Forum: rodboard