Actually about 3 hours south of Penn state in wv. Thanks for the links roger. I'll take a look.
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Thanks for the comments. Yes , I am looking to get one. Nearest builder probably 2 hours away and since I'm learning the trade realizing its something I'm going to need. Or at the least can use. I just didnt know if I needed a certain one to complete the task outlined above vs blocked eva . I think I'm good to go though.
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Looking to purchase one. Not familiar with them at all . Simply looking to shave off some of the fore and rear eva grip of an already built 2 piece rod that looks 1.25 inch in diameter. Will any of the lathes work for an already built rod or specific one I should buy? Thanks, Mark
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Jim, this site is my go to for information. I've done 10 builds or so and it's been a journey. I'm finally at a point where I understand the kr concept but it was not easy to get there. Mostly because there is a lot of information out there on other techniques and the kr concept is relatively new. Even the lingo describing guides confused the heck out of me initially. The concept I think is easy
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Thank you all for the suggestions. Yes, I was referring to the triumph rods. I couldn't think of the name when I was asking my question. Theyre some of my favorites at that price point. Entry level was a poor choice in describing.
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Fishing river for walleye with jerk baits and swim baits with 1/4-1/2oz. Looking for some recommendations on your favorite blank to build 6-7'. Don't mind spending the $$ on a quality blank. I have a few entry level st croix rods ( but looking for upgrade). Thanks, Mark
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Got it. Thanks guys!!!!!
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Picked up 8 foot CTS elite mag 10-25gm. Looking to fish saltwater in florida using 2500-3000 shimano with up to 20 lb braid . I have a handful of fuji titanium alconite KT 7s laying around so will use them as the running guides. What do you think as far as the step down to the 7s: 25H - 16H - 10H? Unfortunately I do not have similar guides laying around to position them on the rod. Any suggesti
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that guide set will cast well just a little tedious to wrap the smaller guides - until you get used to it
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Full disclosure I only have 2 years under my belt. But agree, The guides you have are right on. As far as production rods, it takes less time , material and money to put on fewer guides. That and production rods are what the "typical buyer", not builder is used to seeing. Take your time and have fun with your build. - Mark B
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I've done this a few times now. The couple times I did it was applying the epoxy over a long section of rod. One time, I took too long in applying (I had applied the epoxy to the guides prior to putting it on a tiger wrap) and the second time I clearly applied it unevenly and it just didn't level nicely. I don't have the experience of others here but have run into the same problem. -Mark B
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I placed an order with him last year for a scale. never received. I was refunded by paypal Got similar email few days ago saying the order was complete. Have not seen a package.
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Haven't done it (slow pitch jigging) before but I've purchased a black hole S-662H2MF with intentions of slow pitch jigging using a spinning reel. I haven't ventured out to fish with conventional so it'll be a spinning outfit this time around. I've noticed the majority of slow pitch rods are built using a split grip. Had me wondering, is there any functional advantage to doing this or strictly lo
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Got it!!! And Thanks for the input!!! Just finished putting the third coat on. Looks great so don't have to worry about an excessive delay in applying it. Good to know I have that window of opportunity in the future. -Mark B
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I'm sure this an easy one for you guys: what is the maximum time you would be comfortable waiting in between coats of epoxy. A week, longer? I've put 2 coats of epoxy on a surf rod in back to back nights and it looks pretty good. I just want to build up a few of the larger guides where it looks a tad thin. Its 48 hours since last coat of epoxy and I'm sure it won't be a problem yet but got m
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Sorry, It is tip-top ferrule cement from mudhole
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Getting close to finishing this build. Guides are wrapped (half double foot/half single). Tip top has been installed with glue but not happy with its alignment. Off just a bit. I'd like to re-position the tip top. Is it best to heat it , pull it off , perhaps put a little more glue and install again or warm it up while on blank and re-position. I'm thinking the latter but want to see what you gu
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Thanks again for the great advise. All the lessons I learn from experience. Now the harder question. Anyone know if I can pick up the titanium guides with a metal detector / probably better question for another forum. anyway getting one from a friend today. they are fuji TKWAG with alconite inserts. of course no longer being sold. so really hoping I can find. -Mark
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Messed up pretty good. I had guides taped in place for 9'6 surf rod. Went out last week for test casting 2 oz sinker. First cast at 75% of maximum think a knot / tangle came out of the reel and every single guide I had in place popped off the blank . Tip broke at the brace (?if thats whats called), recovered all but 2 guides. Thankfully blank is okay. Now the reel I used didn't have fresh line
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Thanks for all the input. I've been back and forth several times now. Still am. Going with the smaller guides was causing me some some anxiety because of my lack of experience with smaller guides on such a rod. I'm not too worried about the leader or knot as I typically don't use a long leader. I've got the smaller guides ready to go and I'd have to order the size 10 running guides. Paralysis by
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Building a 9'6 2-piece century slingshot rod rated for 3/4-3 oz. I was going to put on titanium K double foot guides, 30,20,10 with size 7 single foot runners, size 8 tip. It was a toss up between the size 7 and 10 runners simpy because I have the 7s on hand. . Plan on using 20-40 lb braid and up to 50 lb braid. I've got the guides taped on and placement looks good but the size 7 runners just loo
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Thanks for the great suggestions - I was planning on throwning some lures in the surf / inlets for stripers / blues with anywhere from 20-40lb braid/ maybe 50 lb max here in the northeast. I may just do what you guys did with your runner and go down a size. Thanks again. I do have size 7 runners coming as part of a set of K-guides I ordered from mudhole.
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Thanks for the input. I didn't even think to wrap it. That sounds easy enough or downsize my runners but I am hesitant to go smaller than size 8. I would be scared to death to cut the tip of the blank, likely because of lack of experience. Thanks again!!!
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sorry if this a rookie question. I have a vapor trail 1101-2 blank recently purchased. I was looking to put titanium Fuji K running guides size 10 along with tip top size 10 ring. The tip top for this blank is sized 2.2mm. Closest fit is TMNST 10(6) which is 2,4mm. It there another Fuji tip top that I'm missing or do I need to look at another manufacturer. Thanks, Mark
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Thanks all for the good advice. Makes good sense to go with double foot guides and will use titanium KWs as you suggested Jim. I'm trying to get specs from cts to do a similar build. What size would you recommend for running guides? Again using 20-30 lb braid to perhaps swivel or pr knot or Alberto knot to 30-50lb leader. Plan on using KR concept for placement.
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Gonna build using a CTS vapor blank 11' rated 60-105 gms. I plan on using a 6K gosa and throwing lures in that range or a little lighter with 20-30 lb braid. Targeting mostly stripers/blues along the NE coast but will travel to NC, FLA as well. I've only built a handful of rods so forgive me if this a rookie question but can use single foot K guides or should I use double foot, -Thanks , Mark
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Norm, You are on the money. Worked about 5-minutes on it last night using 100, then 150 then 600 grit sandpaper (what I had on hand) and looks good. I didn't realize it would be that easy. It feels like I reduced the diameter of the grip. It is now to my liking so guess that is what counts. Now just need to give it a good dust off then seal.Thanks all. Mark
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All great suggestions. I'm gonna ask around to see if someone has a lathe around me (wv) or try by hand with sandpaper. My concern that it would not be even. And yes, trying to take a little off. Just feels thick. You guys are great help. Thanks
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I installed an HKS 6 cork crip from st croix on a 7'6 immortal rod rated 1/4-5/8. I wanted something wiith a thinner profile but didn't realize it until I glued it on. I don't have a lathe. Is there another good option for getting the grip smaller in diameter. Thanks -Mark
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Well, just applied a second coat on another rod. This time it looks Good to great. Can't say for certain what I did different . But I felt more confident and not rushed doing it. Perhaps what I did the first couple times is just applying it where it looked like it needed it. This time I took my time and applied over the entire first coat. And it looks good so who knows. Learning curve. Thanks guy
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