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9 months ago
Mark Talmo
Jon,
While there are many rod builders and anglers (such as yourself) who like the MicroWave guide system, there may be even more (such as me) who prefer the Fuji KR Concept (KL-H, KB, KT) or other manufacturers’ “match” guides consisting of smaller rings atop taller frames. Both systems work very well, especially compared to the old COF, and the on-going debate of which one is better will proba
Forum: rodboard 9 months ago
Mark Talmo
Kevin, I often use a drill bit less than the diameter of the desired hole with a strip of sandpaper (220 - 320 grit would be good for your application) taped and wrapped around the bit 2 - 3 rotations to produce a “flap wheel” of sorts. You can also slightly spiral wrap the strip of sandpaper leaving ~.125in steps. Both methods leave a very crisp, clean hole.
Forum: rodboard 9 months ago
Mark Talmo
Bert,
The “correct number” of guides is a judgment call. While too few guides will produce a noticeable “bowstring” effect, it is possible to add too many guides attempting to make the line follow the arc of the blank too exactly; = judgment call. Although I would prefer too many versus too few, it seems to me that the Zenaq rods use an excessive number of guides, but that may just be me. As a s
Forum: rodboard 9 months ago
Mark Talmo
Karl,
Your desire to pay respect to the disabled VietNam vet is commendable and worthy of the effort. Unfortunately, I can not offer any assistance. With its broad base, this site may be the best of them in discovering the builder’s name. Possibly contacting the OLD tackle stores and such in the Pittsburgh area might prove fruitful. Other than that, I’ve got nothin’. GOOD LUCK!!!
Forum: rodboard 9 months ago
Mark Talmo
Lawrence,
I was given a benchtop Harbor Freight 7 X 10 metal lathe; it is absolutely the biggest piece of junk tool which I have ever owned = very IMprecise and NONrepeatable!!! It wouldn't be suitable as a boat anchor. But one gets what one pays for = I didn’t pay anything and didn’t get anything. I just feel sorry for those who actually pay (waste) good money for such pathetic machinery.
But
Forum: rodboard 9 months ago
Mark Talmo
Patrick,
You may want to check if Fuji / Anglers Resource offers KBs in size 8; used to be no larger than 6, but things may have changed. However, the KTs are available to size 10??? I have no idea what their logic is there; if anything, one would think the KBs would be available in larger ring sizes than the KTs!?!?
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Robert,
Thanks for the reply. While it would be logical to assume the “swivel mounting hinge hardware area” of the uprights and feet to be the most susceptible to “stress fractures”, I am not too concerned for a number of reasons; it is doubtful any of the guides will ever see 10lb of force; that force is not actually trying to rip the guide out; there are 2 swivel areas per guide = reducing the
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Fred,
Michael and Norman are veteran Gurus whom I and many others respect immensely, and I have learned a lot from them, especially Norman’s slightly modified Anglers Resource GPS for reduction guide placement = butt guide 19in from the spool face, choke guide 20 - 22in further out with the remaining reduction guide(s) positioned to form a bullseye line path. I put a “(s)” after “guide” as with
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Phil,
Thanks. I am more confident with the endurance of the roller guides than my own physical endurance with an angry 200lb tuna hooked lol.
Mark,
Thanks to you as well. You are correct in that I may be a sick man; and I hope to never find a cure! This project was more of an excuse to “make chips” on my mill than anything else. Yes, I believe the pivoting feet are certainly an improvement of
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Spencer,
Seeker and Calstar would have been my first 2 choices as well with UC an honorable mention for saltwater. But apparently, we will never know.
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
David,
Fuji’s Torzite may well be the very “best thing since sliced bread” in the guide ring arena, but at what cost? Fuji is very proud of their “flagship” ceramic ring material and the cost represents such. Their Alconite ring material has never let me down; UL freshwater to heavy saltwater use without a hiccup. I guess it all boils-down to how finely you want to split hairs.
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
At the risk of boring all of you, please allow me to show (off) my latest creation; self-fabricated roller guides with pivoting feet. Admittedly, there are (a few) examples out there, but none suitable for spiral wrapping. This site introduced me to spiral wrapped rods and once I experienced the profound benefits, it is unlikely that I will ever produce a guides-on-top rod ever again. There is ON
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
David,
UL trout rod or stand-up tuna stick? More information will afford you more suggestions.
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Jess,
Tom offers more advice than I can. While I certainly hold Conolons in the highest esteem, I have no clue exactly what the actual thread colors are / were. Although it is pretty much guaranteed the brand was Gudebrod, since it is no longer available you’ll still have to match the color as best as possible anyway. Good luck and enjoy enhancing your Fish-Fighting-Fun-Factor with the old Conol
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
78. Re: Epoxy
Sam,
It seems like a no-brainer to me = STICK WITH THE FLEX COAT!!! As you, I prefer the light version of Flex Coat although many prefer their original high-build. The light penetrates quickly, flows-out / self-levels very well, releases bubbles easily, yellows less than most others, good pot life, cures relatively quickly, and John’s and Roger’s customer service is second to none. All of the NA
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
The “blooming” issue can be controlled / countered with simple “end wraps” as employed with typical “butt wraps”, or simply conceal the ends of the sleeving with the reel seat or butt cap, or even just shrink tubing. I have used hybrid CF / Aramid sleeving in lieu of “slick butts” or “tough butts” on a number of offshore builds, and because of the Aramid, they are much tougher than any nylon tube
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Seth,
Another option would be to purchase woven CF sleeve cloth from Soller Composites. They also have woven hybrid sleeves; CF / Aramid, CF / FG in numerous colors. Since it is dry sleeving, it will fit snugly onto the blank and follow its taper = no shimming. Simply slide the sleeve onto the blank, wet it out with epoxy and you’re done. Due to not being a structural piece, regular thread wrap
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Kevin,
Don’t feel rained on; wrapping on the flimsy, flexing tip section of a blank (especially UL) can certainly be frustrating. As Michael stated, additional support is a real blessing, and as far as I am concerned, essential. I fabricated my own and would be lost without it now. Maybe the linked photo will give you ideas for building your own. Good luck!
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
82. Re: Mixing Epoxy
Sam,
Inherently, people are always trying to build a better mousetrap; I am certainly guilty of such. But when it comes to mixing thread epoxy, JUST USE COMMON SENSE = mix thoroughly and you will be fine! Early on, I contemplated purchasing a typical “rod-n-cup” mixing system but never did and glad I refrained = ultimately unnecessary. Mix slowly and completely to minimize bubbles and any troubl
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Sam,
Funny thing is that no “after the fact” coatings seems to hold-up as well as a factory finish. It has been frustrating to me to not be able to discover the absolute, ultimate answer. It is pretty much accepted that the manufacturers utilize a “squeegee-diaphragm” of sorts to coat their blanks, either clear or color. But a factory finish simply seems to be more durable / scratch-resistant th
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
David,
With all due respect to Daryl, I do not know of his electronics capabilities. However, I am very aware of Roger Wilson’s abilities and have employed his electrical knowledge on a number of occasions; he is a retired EE and very willing to help. Consider consulting Roger as he has built many rod lathes and curing drums. No criticism or offense intended to Daryl.
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Glen,
Thanks for the post = very interesting. Through my exposure to the composite industry, I am certainly aware of UV curing epoxies, but have admittedly no hands-on experience. It is my understanding that UV cure epoxies are geared more to accommodate very large-scale projects like America’s Cup boats, aircraft, ect with very time-consuming lay-up procedures which prohibit the typical timed h
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
I totally agree with Michael and David. While I understand the principle behind a tension rod, I feel it is unnecessary, just plain ol’ in the way as David mentioned, one more possibility to create fuzzies, and another eye to thread the thread through. Also, when wrapping more than one thread at a time, I would think that multiplying the total amount of thread tension created by multiple threads
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Sam,
Limiting, or better yet eliminating, eyes which the thread has to pass through (and rub against) will greatly reduce the dreaded “thread fuzzies”. This is more important if the thread is passing through eyes AFTER the tensioning device, the actual thread tension itself, the wire diameter of the eyes, and the angle of the thread path caused by the eye.
My first thread tray / tensioner desig
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
El,
Thanks for the photo and explanation. OK, you’re off my list of possible insanity candidates lol. I am sorry for your wife = that must have hurt and made her panic a bit. I am sorry that you had to rewrap those guides (or did you just add more epoxy, hence the original question?!?! lol).
As with Morris Schlesinger’s almost debilitating lathe accident, this incident could (should) have a sim
Forum: rodboard 10 months ago
Mark Talmo
Josh,
Your comment “I thought his reply was a bit strange considering, We're rod builders trying to help each other out, aren't we?!” is way off-base! Michael responded to your question within his parameters and you exploited it in a rather rude manner. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! While there may be many traits of which you could be accused, apparently congeniality and respect are
Forum: rodboard |