I 'm with Michael. David Boyle's VisualWeave software was worth waiting for. Greatly enjoyed his software presentation and the software purchase. Also, hie's a genuinely friendly, helpful person. Stan
Forum: rodboard

It was another great Expo!!! But it is very much under-priced, IMO. The seminars alone are worth more. Add to that the wonderful interaction, shared ideas and help that the vendors and fellow rod builders supply. There's always great pricing on products and just tons of things to see, handle and discuss. This was my 5th Expo and I intend to attend as long as I'm kicking. Stan
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I'll be in line behind Mike for the same weaving purchases! Stan
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The reception tickets will be in Volume 11, Issue #1, according to the Editor's Page in the last issue, which also says we should receive that issue about a week prior to the ICRBE. I hope to win the Renzetti Lathe!!! Stan
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John,, It's perfect for your needs - no better way to get started in the craft, IMO. I've been to all the previous events and can think of no better way to learn than the ICRBE Show. The seminars, alone, are worth the trip. Also, the vendors have tons of stuff at great prices and are a great source of info, as are fellow rodbuilders, all of whom you'll find eager to share info and help you
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Why ask for trouble by using RodBond for tip tops? Top replacement is easier with hot melt and 5 min epoxy. Never can tell when a top might be required in the future. Stan
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IMO, such a competition would be of little interest, or use, to most of the "run of the mill" builders such as myself. It sounds good on paper, but I can't see the general interest or usefullness for most builders. Hope I don't ruffle too many feathers with my opinion! Stan
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I think function and art go hand in hand. A nice, well thought out rod which is decorated just seems to work better. Stan
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Dave, That's a fine tutorial. Thanks for sharing the technique. I'll give it a try.
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Cal, I've been to every expo event since it first got underway in Charlotte and can say it's the premier event for rod builders. There is so much product there and at good prices, great fellowship with fellow builders and an amazing collection of seminars. The seminars, alone, are worth the trip. I highly recommend the event. Hope you attend. You will be blown away!!! Stan
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Harbor Freight has boxes of teflon tape at a good price. One box has about 10 rolls of tape or there abouts. Stan
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Tom, Polyneon 40 is a tad smaller in diameter than size A thread, and Polyneon 60 is smaller in diameter than the Polyneon 40. Stan
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Randy, also consider the various "metallic" threads. The range of colors is not great, however. Like Mike, I also prefer the non NCP threads, particularly Madeira Polyneon 40, followed by at least two coats of CP. Stan
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Sulky Black Metallic #142-7051 is another nice black thread and is close to the diameter of Madeira polyneon 40. Also, it's quite strong for it's diameter. Nice thread to work with. Stan
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Lowe's Home Improvement has several different priced 120 volt timers in the lighting section. I haven't checked at Home Depot, but they'd probably have a bunch, too. I don't have a drying box but bought a timer to turn ON and turn OFF a dryer motor. Works great. Stan
Forum: rodboard

There are numerous ways to apply alignment marks, but an easy way is to use the narrow end of an embossing stylus. Just mix a little Permagloss and titanium dioxide pigment and barely touch the mixture with the stylus, apply to rod and you'll get a nice round circle on the rod. It helps to lightly buff a small area on the bare blank prior to application. On a freshly wrapped & epoxied femal
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Ken, I think you should get all three of the above mentioned items. Each will be great learning tools that you'll want to view/read multiple times. You are in for a wonderful experience! Stan
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Another vote for ThreadMaster.
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Chris, I used two coats on the butt wrap. A waterslide decal was applied after the first coat, then another coat to cover the decal. TM Lite leveled beautifully. Thomas, Lite is a breeze with spatulas. Spatula is what I used.
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I like Joe's idea. Makes more sense than trimming a toothpick into a wedge shape and watch it frequently shoot out. Stan
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I used TM Lite the for the first time yesterday on a fly rod and found it FANTASTIC! It's super clear, bubble free, painless to apply and has substantial working time. The finish was absolutely level. It does take longer to cure up hard, but the advantages far out weigh that factor. Needless to say, I was very impressed, but I'm also impressed with TM Hi-Build as well. Looking forward to Andy's C
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Thanks Spencer and Don. From what I can determine, he will be using the rod on smaller streams that are hard to get to, down in canyons, etc. I have the figting butt built but won't use it. . Stan
Forum: rodboard

I'm building a fly rod for an old friend who plans to fish in south-eastern Oregon and adjacent Idaho streams. He hasn't fly fished in over 30 years and wants to get back in it, so he hasn't been a lot of help as to what he might require and I don't know either. I build light weight saltwater rods and have only built one other fly rod The friend plans to get some flyfishing instruction in the
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Like Cris and others, I fish from shore and love catching bluefish, particularly Hatteras ones. Bluefish is my favorite fish to eat (smaller ones) if bleeded right away, iced down, salted and fried as soon as possible. Stan
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Party Supply stores generally have condiment cups in various sizes. Stan
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The Optivisor works best for me. They work fine over prescription glasses and come in various interchangable optical powers. I have several of the less expensive brands and was not at all happy with them. Stan
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To echo Bill Stevens comment: there is so much interaction between vendors, presenters and fellow rodbuilders that it's easy to miss seminars you planned to attend. This will be my 5th event & I have experienced that multiple times. You simply have to be there to understand all the good stuff going on. The seminar presenters & vendors are dedicated to the craft and are very available f
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For quality and quanity, this show is the very best bargain in rodbuilding today - and I'm only a hobby builder. I've attended all of them and have learned a ton of thngs, as well as benefiting from good product pricing. It's great fun, also. Stan
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Mine came today. I live in eastern NC, but don't usually get it this quickly.
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Thanks, guys, for the help! Thanks, Mark. I'll e-mail you shortly regarding our discussions in High Point.. Raymond, thanks. Your e-mail is hidden, but I've already booked a bottom fishing trip out of Sitka and my wife won't agree to more than fishing trip on this particular trip. Stan
Forum: rodboard