Calstar Grafighter GF700ML
Forum: rodboard

Put heat shrink over the edge and coat with thread and finish to make a nice clean hosel ramp to the blank.
Forum: rodboard

Yeah, this is common. When I'm building a rod I have masking tape at just about every open area between the guides just because I don't want any marks whatsoever when I deleiver the rod to a customer. You can coat the area with Permagloss but it will remain glossy which would be a problem if it's a matte blank.
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I know Mudhole does, not sure who else.
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Stephen, If you spiral wrap it torque problems will be non-existent. Randy.
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Maybe it's residue from Flex Coat guide feet adhesive.
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Mike, Yes that is considered an open wrap. You can use equal spacing but the spaces will vary slightly with the taper. Since it's a farily small area between the grips I don't think it will affect much. There are a bunch of ways to mark the centers. On a split lke that, I usually lay out a piece of masking tape and mark it. I then lay the masking tape on the blank with the edge along the axi
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Burton, I had the exact same thing happen to mine. Only the smallest though. The others are fine. Randy.
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I too use the Alps printer (after talking to Putter) and use it for making all my own metallic decals. I got mine from Australia for about $300 plus shipping. It was new without the warranty and I have had it about a year or so with no problems whatsoever. I think it's worth the money if you do a lot of decals. Randy.
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Darren, You need to first seal the decal. I personally use Krylon clear that I get from Home Depot. I make all my own decals and have never had a problem. Randy.
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Jim, I haven't built one specifically for that purpose but there was a fishing show on recently with Kevin Van Dam demonstring the technique. He uses a 7' medium action spinning rod with 8 lb. test. Sorry, I don't recall the exact line rating on the rod. A buddy of mine who bass fishes semi-pro fishes shakey heads using a drop-shot spinning rod. Hope it helps, Randy.
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Yes, welcome aboard Scott.
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Bill, I use Aftcote all the time and have never seen this before. I usually apply finish at 65 or warmer so that might have something to do with it. I've also used a tack cloth and Color Lock CP without incident. Are they both in the same general area? Randy.
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Steve, I bought a cheap one at Staples for about $20. It works perfectly and doesn't loosen a bit. Randy.
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Tom, I agree with Matt if you want a really nice blank you can't beat the GLX's. I've built a bunch of them for a buddy who's a semi pro bass guy and he absolutely loves them. I have another friend who is sponsored by Kistler and yes they are a nice light rod but he's broken a bunch of them. And not in car doors either. I'm not sure off hand if the GLX's are availble over 7' but I've built o
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Jeff, I got mine from Mudhole (sponsor on the left list) but they are probably available from some other sponsors here as well. There are two types (braced and unbraced). I honestly don't know if they are solid SS, they just look like they have a coating to me. They are a pretty common guide, been around for quite some time if we are talking about the same guide. Randy.
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Chris, I build quite a few FW bass rods with exposed seats and try to use a seat that is somewhat snug on the blank. It's usually gets pretty snug (not tight) on the reel seat behind the trigger and I only then have to use a very thin layer of masking tape as a bushing for the forward part. I like to fit the seats somewhat snug so there is no gaps between the reel seat exposed edge and the bla
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Steve, Are you in Cali and if so where? If you close I'd be glad to show you some G. Loomis rods I've done to help you decide. Randy.
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I use Aftcote all the time and love it. It does take some getting used to and can be very finicky in mixing. I don't think the end result is any different than the other available finishes. It has a very long pot life and handles external heat very well. Randy.
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Permagloss is like water, super thin, no-mixing, cures very fast and stinks to high heaven. It leaves a very thin coat on the wraps and gives that "old school" look where you can still feel the wraps (unless you use numerous, numerous coats). Epoxy is thicker, requires careful 50/50 mixing, takes much longer to cure and covers thicker with less coats giving more of a glass look. I do
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I bought an Alps printer about a year ago from Aust-N-Rail in Australia. Works fine, no problems whatsoever. Shipping took like 3 weeks. Randy.
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Jay, Give Fred himself a call at Winthrop. I get mine directly from him. Randy.
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Just inject some epoxy under the grip with a syringe. Randy.
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Then I've taught you alot Doc...LOL.
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Absolutely. Then just keep your subsequent coat(s) of finish thin and use lengthwise strokes to level. Randy.
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I'd say Fuji HNSG, BHNNG or LRSG. Just curious, is there a reason why such heavy line on that blank? I would think that it would take probably 7-9 guides after doing a static test. Randy.
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Doug, Not really. I sometimes have to review the image several times using the zoom command. Just zoom way out to 25% and the image will appear more natural. Most of the time I make my patterns with about 60 threads to keep the detail acceptable. Hope it helps some, Randy.
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And Billy Vivona's book if you can find one.
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Rob, For info, I've got a few hook keepers left very similar to the Kistler type. They are made from the loops that are put into weight molds. My buddy found them and they come 100 in a package. There are a few mods that we make to them but them work perfect on bass rods. Shoot me an email and I'd be glad to send you a couple. Randy.
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Merry Christmas Mike and everyone. Hope everyone and their families have a nice, safe, Merry Christmas. Watch the spiked eggnog...Randy.
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