Michael, I'm just curious why bother creating the full guide train in Step 2 if you're just going to remove the middle ones in Step 4? The middle guides you insert in Step 5 won't be the same locations, will they?
Forum: rodboard

I got the same one just before Christmas and have used it for turning cork on a steel rod and wrapping thread on rods with a cork handle. It's held solid for all those. Are your handles sloped maybe?
Forum: rodboard

Can anyone comment how well the Testors decal paper works for writing on with a nib pen and paint? It has to be easier than trying to write on a small diameter blank.
Forum: rodboard

Jesse, I'm trying the figure out a good way that works for me also, experimenting with several recommendations I've found while searching. What's working best so far is using a Speedball 107 nib with testors enamel gold and silver paint. Speedball 102 nib was recommended but that's soft and flexible and grabs the blanks. The 107 is stiffer and floats on the blank with just a light touch and g
Forum: rodboard

Craig Lund Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Thanks Phil - not necessarily looking to save > money, I am more interested in building the best > quality rods I can - the thread expense is pretty > small in the overall picture. I've used the > Fishhawk Nylon A thread to this point - just > wanted to know if there was something better and >
Forum: rodboard

John P, I thought a straight edge would work better because I put a glob of epoxy on with one rotation, then tried to angle it to steer the epoxy to the left and right to cover more area but the curved edge didn't work for steering. So perhaps I need to just follow previous recommendations to just let it flow and not try to steer it. As Tom just said I guess I need to move over a spatula widt
Forum: rodboard

Tom, this novice wonders when you say "one revolution and you're done" are you assuming the brush is almost as wide as the wrap? I'm trying to imagine how that works if I use a disposable 1/4" brush on a 1" guide wrap. Will it really flow to the edges of the wrap? I'm in the process of practicing on junk rods so I will do as you recommend and see how far it spreads. Btw, I
Forum: rodboard

Many moons ago when I started using braid, I chose Power Pro because the serious bass guys around here swore by it. Also used Suffix 832 for a season then Suffix regular braid since then because I like the bright orange color. I've NEVER had a problem with any of the braids - casting, breaking, or otherwise. Nor do I know anyone who has had a problem with any of them (bass, walleye, musky fish
Forum: rodboard

James, I prefer graphite casting rods for crankbaits/spinnerbaits. The graphite gives me better feel of the lure wobble and if it bumps into rocks or wood or picks up debris. But yes I also like the rod to be a little softer. So I use the St Croix Premier 70MF. Their Avid and more expensive rods are a little too firm or "tight" for my taste in this application. Like anything else,
Forum: rodboard

Todd, I also am going to build an ice rod soon (though I'm still working on another one - my first) and am wondering about guide spacing. I've done lots of searches and have some idea where to start but there isn't a lot of info. Mine will be a 27" including a 5" cork handle and use Pac Bay Minima guides. I'm thinking something like 12-10-7-7 plus 7 tip. I'll start the butt guide 10
Forum: rodboard

Garry, I'm not interested in fixing the existing old rods as I'll eventually replace them with new custom rods. ;) I was just wondering for my new builds to avoid a problem later. John S.
Forum: rodboard

Hi guys, a novice question here. When I'm shaping the cork handle and foregrip for my panfish and bass rods, is it a good practice to make tenons to fit inside the reel seat? On some of my very old (store brand) spinning rods it seems like the cork shrunk a little and there's a slight gap between the handle and seat. It's small enough that others probably wouldn't notice, but I do. I haven't
Forum: rodboard

Doc Ski has a weaving DVD that's really good. He talks about his preferred jig and demonstrates a beautiful fish weave. He covers all the details. John
Forum: rodboard

I was thinking it would be cool to weave the Packer G on a green and gold themed rod but I figured the team or NFL would not like that. On the other hand, when I go to craft fairs, there's plenty of things painted up with the Packer G. I always wondered if the team lawyers would waste time going after crafters. John
Forum: rodboard

Welcome Roger! I've been lurking here for a few months and am working on my first build. When buying factory rods, I got frustrated with the inconsistent "feel" of different brands of rods so I standardized on St Croix rods. In other words, a Cabelas Medium Fast, Shimano Medium Fast, St Croix Medium Fast all feel different. Now when someone asks for a recommendation, I know the feel
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for asking the question John M. I'm just getting started with my first rod build and am sure I'd have done the same thing as you. :) I've been reading books, watching DVDs, and lurking here for quite a while. I'm learning a TON. John S.
Forum: rodboard

Bull castration bands work great for ice rods. A company markets them in nice colors with an installation tool for the fishing industry. Am I allowed to give their name here if they're not a sponsor? John
Forum: rodboard

I will be building an ice rod that will use the St Croix spring. Lonnie at Throne Bros recommends their panfish sweetheart for use with a spring bobber. The quiverstick is excellent for use without a spring bobber, but you'll see more up-bites with the spring. John
Forum: rodboard

I don't suppose there is VisualWrap or VisualWeave type software for a Mac. ?? I'm very much anti-Microsoft. John
Forum: rodboard

In the woodworking world, we use mineral spirits. John
Forum: rodboard

James, thanks for asking the question. I'm a newbie and have been lurking here quite a while as I plan my first rod build. It will be a short, light action rod for vertical jigging crappie. I know making tape arbors is the commonly accepted practice, but I have been wondering why don't people use the polyurethane or graphite arbors since they seem so simple and straight-forward for fitting.
Forum: rodboard