I checked at my local Wal-Mart today and they no longer stock Tru-Oil. A local firing range/gun store does still have it in stock - so that's another place to check for Tru-Oil. Stan
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Mine came yesterday, and as expected, it's an excellent issue. I'd like to try Bill Stevens & Ralph O'Quinn's threadless technique on light weight saltwater/sound rods. Also Bill Colby's article on "tiger grips" was something I want to try. My copy came early this time. I hope everyone gets their copy soon, as well! Stan
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I microwave the resin (part A) of ThreadMaster and LS Supreme Hi-Build for 10 seconds with the lid off - to aid in drawing it into a syringe for accurate measuring. It's then squirted into a mixing cup where it sits and cools for several minutes 'til I get ready to add the hardener (part B). An epoxy mixer is used as well as a spatula. I don't think you'd want to heat the hardener, at least I wo
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Steve, What are the dimensions of the Yoga blocks? Sounds interesting to me - I sometimes like to use composite cork to make grips. Stan
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The surgical tubing works well for me. I ordered it from www.reefscuba.com and got various I.D.s of the amber tubing, enough to last 'til nursing home time. Galen Briese was the gentleman who put me onto this source of tubing. Thanks, Galen. Also, ReefScuba's pricing is good, as is customer service and prompt shipping. I've tried other methods but the surgical tubing, in proper sizes, seems to
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I'm also happy to hear this. FishStix4U is the closest sponsor to me and I've had fantastic service from Robert, Ray & Kevin. Great service and fast delivery. Good folks to talk to also for questions and decision making. Stan
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The seminars are huge learning experience and a source of highly useful information! I would encourage folks to attend any/all that sparks their interest. They are so good that attendees should get some sort of college credit at universities. Another advantage to the seminars is that you get into discussions with other builders while just sitting around and can get lots of ideas on the topics
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Jerry, The "one-handed" chuck tightening/loosening is a definite plus for convenience and ease of usage. See if you can try both at the store and then decide which is the best value for you. The Nova chucks are good ones, IMO, but I'm certainly no great turner. Stan
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Good move, Scott, and welcome to some really great info on this site. Stan
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I just received a flyer from WoodCraft that lists the above chuck for $69.99, until 12/31/06. That's a great buy and a savings of $50.00 compared to the regular price. It's a 1" X 8 TPI Midi chuck and will tighten down on a 1/4" mandrel when the outer jaws are removed. I've been using this chuck ever since Gerry Rhoades recommended it a year or two ago - works great. Thought others m
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I started off using an old electric variable speed drill, wired to a sewing machine foot pedal, and using a jury-rigged support for the drill, i.e., "headstock" part. I used threaded rods in various diameters for mandrels, and bronze bearings to fit the threaded rods for "live-center" mounted in a wood supporting structure. All the various components were clamped onto one of t
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Also, if you can get to High Point in February for the 2007 Rod Building Exposition, you'll have the opportunity to learn a ton of rodbuilding stuff, from experts, including seminars by Jim Upton on How to Build Fishing Rods. Check out the link at top left and view "seminars". You can't fail to learn things at this particular event. Highly recommended !! It's the best there is availa
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Definitely get "Rod Building Guide". It'll get you on a great track towards learning to build good rods. Available from most sponsors to the left. Don't start building without it! Stan
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Thanks Tim & Danny. Those hook-keepers look fairly easy to make at home. Stan
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Does anyone have a photo they can share of this particular hook-keeper? Sure would like to see one as I'm not familair with it. Thanks. Stan
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I've used both the sharpie and black nail polish and prefer the black nail polish. Haven't tried the nail polish over sharpie yet. Stan
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Mike, I connected one of those little slow RPM motors to a footpedal and all it did was switch the motor on & off and had no effect on RPM. I don't think the little gear motors have brushes. I suspect DC motors might require some sort of voltage regulator for DC motors. I hope someone knowledgable about rigging up DC motors will set us straight. Stan
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Pushing 70 and use an Optivisor. I also use some goosenecked halogen lights recycled from a previous life. Old eyes need both magnification and more light. Stan
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I agree - they are great folks to deal with. Superb service for sure. Stan
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The cuticle nippers Mike mentioned really work well and don't leave a nub. Thanks to Bill Stevens for showing them to us! Stan
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As for live centers, Woodcraft also has some good ones, IMO. My first live center came from either Grizzley or PSI and while it worked, it had a very large O.D. which I did't like. The Nova Precision Midi chuck is an excellent choice - just remember you have to take off the "jaws' to fit it onto various mandrel diameters. You're on the right track, I suspect. Stan
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Ed, I use a Jet Mini with Andy's mandrels (length to fit the lathe) and have had no problem what-so-ever with the mandrels, only with operator error from time to time. I have, however, used very short bolts in the lathe to turn very narrow things like butt caps. Stan
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Mark, Definetly take it easy for whatever time it takes. Re-read all the rodbuilding material you have and re-watch the videos, etc. Think up new rodbuilding approaches to try out and share with us. Don't get in too big of a hurry during the healing phase. Best wishes for a rapid recovery! Stan
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Jimmy hit it on the nailhead - if MSC doesn't have it, it's not available. Stan
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I usually spine the blanks, out of past indoctrination, but usually just end up ignoring the spine and building on the straightest axis, with the "belly" down (unless the blank is perfectly straight, which most aren't). Stan
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Spatula for me - one of Joe Kassuba's. He'll probably have a bunch of 'em in High Point and will show you the technique. Stan
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Sounds like it might be thread contamination from something, before or after you got it. Might want to do what Lou suggested. Stan
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I hope no one buys advanced tickets except me, 'cause I want the first shot at Andy Dear's barrels!!! Stan
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Same as Steve G.
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The Harbor Freight belt sander comes with an 80 grit belt. They also sell belts in 80 and 120 grits. I bought a couple 120 belts and use those for guide grinding. The tool Terry mentions is also very useful and worth the money, IMO. Stan
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