Hi All, Can anyone recommend a book or CD that would explain how to do custom wraps? Something that would be a good starting point and oriented towards the beginner. Also, what kind of weaving tools could be purchased that wouldn't break the bank and still be functional and easy to use? It's time to move past trim bands... Thanks Lynn
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Ellis, Log into the forumn and go to "My Control Center" which is right next to the Log Out button. Then edit your privacy settings. Lynn Opps, Tom is way faster than I am!
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Michael, If you suggest size 20 high frame guides for a reel less than 4" in diameter then what would you use for a reel larger than 4"? From my point of view the greatest advantage of using a high frame guide would be casting and not fish fighting. While I can see the reduction of friction while casting, as the fly line has a straighter path off of the reel, the friction on the guid
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James, I agree on not using size 20 strippers on a fly rod. I also wouldn't use two casting style guides on a fly rod eventhough I don't think someone is wrong to do so. I think less is usually better with regards to guide selection, but too small or too light is just that. Lynn
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Dennis, I would use the NIF or the regular type fly guide for the 10. The NIV is a high frame casting guide and I don't think you need more than one stripper type guide. I like using single foot spin guides for the stripper though. I guess I just like the whole concept of the single foot guide, smaller footprint and less wraps. Anyway, it sounds like your on the right track!. Tight Wraps!
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Michael, If you do a search on lathes you will probably get more than enough information as that topic has been discussed many times on this forum. One of the simpler, and cheaper, devices out there is made by Flex Coat and it uses a regular power drill to spin the grip. You can see that device here:. Both FishSticks4U and Bingham Enterprises carry Andy Dear's mandrels and they both could pro
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Dennis, Using the formula of the length of the rod plus one you would end up with ten guides. I would go with a size 16 stripper and then a 10 and then 8's out to the end. If you don't have any large knots you might try size 7 running guides and a 7 top but what you have listed is reasonable. Some builders might like the size 20 stripper but I usually opt for smaller rather than larger. If
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Miles, If I were you I wouldn't spend a lot of money on guides if this is one of your first few builds. Use less expensive fly guides as running guides because they are light and not expensive. Use plain spin guides from Batson's or American Tackle so you can order extra sizes and do a better job doing the static gude placement. I built an ultralight a couple of years ago and used titanium gu
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Gavin, I found this in a google search I found it interesting but maybe not as detailed as you want. Hope it helps. Lynn Leary
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Hi All, In one of Gene Bullard's columns in RodMaker he stated several names of rod builders who pioneered the Rod Building Industry into what we have today. One of the people that he mentioned was named Pedley. I met Phil Pedley at his Rod Factory in the small town of Glen Ellen in the early sixties. Phil also had another business at the same site that made "cargo nets". I was to
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Thomas, If you are using the American Tackle A frame spin guides they are listed as a Blue Ring with a TiCh frame. American lists the same thing in a fly guide down to size 5. BZTF-6 should be the guide you need. Hope this is helpful. Lynn Leary
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Hi Guys, I don't think L.L. Bean has a corner on the market using the letter "L" or "LL" as a trademark. "L.L. Bean" is their registered trademark and not Double LL. The double L has to do with my initials. Anyway, let's get back to talking about rod building but thanks Ernie for your comments on my site. Thanks Tom for fixing my link problem. Lynn Leary Double
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Jay, Sorry I didn't make my statement clear but I don't use steel wool between coats after the first few coats. You won't get the shine if you keep knocking it down with the steel wool. I read that some use the steel wool between every coat but I never got the shine and grain out of the wood until I quit using the steel wool. I use 1500 grit paper to prepare the wood so it is very smooth so,
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Rick, Just to chime in on what the others have said; I usually use triple ought steel wool between the first few coats, which dulls the finish, and then apply a small amount with my fingers until it is rubbed in( there will be some residue left). Then I use a coffee filter, because it has no lint, and buff the finish between each coat. The more coats you apply the deeper the grain is and the m
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Charles, I am not sure if this is exactly what you had in mind but volume 9 issue 3 of RodMaker has an article on cord handles. It looks like the cord is wrapped over the top of a cork handle that has been recessed to accept the cord. Might be worth getting a copy if it sounds like this is what you had in mind. Lynn Santa Rosa, CA
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Charles, Here is one that might do the trick Lynn
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Scott, The Ross "Big Canyon" reels are being phased out for a new model. A non-sponsor has some on their "Bargain Cave" at a significantly reduced price. Great reel and even better for $150 or so off of list price. Hope this helps, Lynn Santa Rosa, CA
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Hi All, I have an old All-Star Catalog from when they were a sponsor in PDF format. E-mail me and I'll send it to anyone that wants it. Lynn Santa Rosa, Ca
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Brian, Use the Static Guide Placement Instructions in the library. To simplify the method, guides are placed by putting more guides on than you will actually need and then adjusting them rearwards(towards the butt) as you flex the blank. It might seem intimidating the first time you use it but as you work the guides rearwards, removing the extra guides as you go, you'll see that the line will
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Tim, While finding colored grips in pink or purple might be difficult, DonJer Products (sponsor on left) has a flocking kit that can be added to a grip to produce the colors that you need. I just finished my first grip with the mini-flocker kit and it looks quite good. The kit is very easy to apply and the finished product looks much like EVA foam. See here for the color chart . You could e
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This picture was posted some time ago: Lynn
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Sorry Mike, I went into the control center and thought it wasn't hidden. I didn't realize you have to "verify" your e-mail for it to be un-hidden. I checked it and it is ok now. Whew, dang I like software! One minute you think you understand it and the next minute you are scratching your head............ Thanks Lynn
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Hey Mike, Any chance you could send me the tutorial as well? Thanks! Lynn
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Z-axis blanks are available from Angler's Workshop September 1st. 2-piece: 4-piece: Spey: For any that may be interested..... Lynn
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Hi Mike, Angler Workshop does carry the blank you are looking for, go here: Lynn Santa Rosa, CA
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Mudhole has one Try here:
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Simon, Recoil makes a spinning guide, which has two loops of wire, and a fly guide which has only one loop. I used the spinning guides with braided line and switched back to mono/florocarbon line because I didn't like the noise of the line running through the guides. If you want to read what REC says about Recoils, regarding longevity, click on their link on the left as they are sponsors and
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Hi Paul, I found some from . They state that their orders generally take two weeks to ship but the order I placed on July 6th.has not arrived as of yet. They charge your credit card within the first 48 hours so I am reserveing judgement on them for a few more days since I live in California and it is going to take longer. Not sure how long it will take to ship to OZ so you might want to call
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Mudhole's catalog is like a rod builder's Playboy, that got a chuckle and a smile. Good one Mike. But you have to admit Rod Maker Magazine still has the best "centerfolds". LOL Lynn Santa Rosa, CA
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Dave, Check with Mudhole Tackle a sponsor on the left. It is listed under salmon/steelhead in the GLoomis section. They are from the GL-2 series of blanks. There really are only a few listed in that size range and as a suggestion you might want to try Batson's salmon/steelhead blanks as they have many more sizes to choose from. FishSticks4U can fix you up with one of those if you are interes
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