Just added some more Graphite Cast and Spin blanks on Sale. Great prices on a limited quantity in sizes that may not be available anymore. Some Fiberglass to come, and working on Fly Rod Grips and reel seats. Here is that link;
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Just added some special, shorter 4' 9" to 5' M/L, Med, M/H Graphite rod blanks at special prices. All new, various manufacturers. Make great shorter cast or stream spin rods. Here is a link; More updates coming soon on other items, Fly Reel seats, guide sets, tip top sets, cork rings and some grips..
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Hi Bill, Is that an "XBBG18", Chrome all wire with a brace in the middle of each set of legs? If so we show a couple in stock.
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What works for me is just get the rings close to the proper ID. Then carefully glue up on a threaded rod with wing nuts and large OD washers to clamp. Or use a clamping device like the Flex Coat set-up. After the glue has set up, just chuck in a drill or lathe and "unscrew" the cork grip. A final ID sizing to match the blank, and dry fit. Then I have assorted mandrels made from bro
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When you say a "twitchy" tip, I just wonder if a fiberglass/graphite composite blank might work for you. The "RDR" series from Batson is just that. The RDR70L is one of my favorites, it has a very light and "giving" tip, and then gets into some backbone farther down as the graphite mid and butt comes into play. A fun rod to fish, we have caught some reallty nice
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I second Tom. Any time it is a heavy rod, I like the Five Minute Epoxy. Note, NOT regular. 5 minute can be removed with heat.
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And we use the frame of an older "level wind" casting reel in the reel seat. Just the reel foot and "skeleton". Prep and mark where you want the working reel to be on the best axis, and make the mark so it can be seen from the opposite side of where the reel will mount. Then mount the "skeleton" in the reel seat, lay it on a flay table top, with the mark up,
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We have used the "quick-cure"(5 minute) epoxy on heavy rods tip tops (only) and it will release with cautious heat.
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Just watch out for proper ID sizing. We ran into that with a customer and "Glass" fly rod blanks. Butt OD called for a much larger reel seat so the insert would fit on the blank. All metal seats are a lot easier to figure. These where lighter blanks, 5 wt and under.
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Try this in 3 pc SB783-3CG, MH, 10-17# 5/16-3/4 oz lure.
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Try lightly "scuffing" the blank where the wrap will be, and increase tension. The scuffing (roughing up the surface) may help hold the threads where you want them.
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Just be careful of having a "void" between the grip and blank. If epoxy does not fill it when installing, you may have a crack appear in the cork later on.
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If he would accept either a 7' rod, or a short extension on the butt end, that opens up choices in the Batson blank line-up.
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A favorite of mine has been in a fly rod blank, 8-9' long , 5 or 6 wt power. They are soft enough to "lob" out a live bait, and very forgiving with a big fish on light line. The softer action of the blank helps act as a "shock absorb-er"
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The ISP843-3 is a discontinued blank. We do show one left in stock. Since he was asking about a shorter, lighter power, I did not think of it. But, it might make a fine rod if the 1/8 to 3/8 lure works for him, and the 7' is good. Some could be trimmed from the butt, however, it always needs careful consideration, since the blank was designed as 7'. What could be done is mock it up with
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Correction; The correct number for the earlier RX7 spin blank is "IS781F"
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Consider the Batson RX7 earlier model ISP781-F-M 61/2' long, 2 pc, 1/16 - 1/4 once lures, Charcoal Matte finish. We have them in stock and on sale here
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What works for me is a set of stainless measuring spoons, goes down to 1/8 teaspoon. Fill to just level with the top edge of the desired size. Then wipe clean to make sure no residue of 1st part, and do it again. For just 1 guide, i use Flex Coat with "Yorker Caps" to lay down a thin bead of each, side-by-side. This works for very small amounts as long as you are careful to make t
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The "Tiger Eye" blanks are out of production. We handled them for several years until the importer closed. Very good at a good price.
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Some suggestions. Use a candle in a holder to allow both hands to work. Make sure the heat glue is the "high melt" amber stick if Flex Coat. If you want to be extra secure, use the 5 minute epoxy, with care it can be removed with judicious heat. And never put heat to the blank, be especially careful of heat on Fiberglass blanks. Hope this helps.
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Roger gives good advice. If you want to use a store-bought and make it special, tape off an area above the handle, paint it red. Then after it is dry, either make a small label or just use some paint and fine brush to put his name on it, the date, and your initials. Makes a nice presentation, and if it survives, a keep-sake. Later, when he gets a little older, the 4 pc blank like Joe V mentio
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You guys got me thinking, my first post was early on this site, July13, 2001.
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I like a slightly slower action blank. The Batson line of "Popping" blanks works well for me. Like the REVIP-70M or MH, 7' I have built both in a casting configuration, here is a link; Also, a little faster action in the RX8 graphite, IMMP76-M & MH, (71/2'), link; Throwing 3/8-1/2 oz lures, and sometimes up to 3/4 oz, using 10-14# fluorocarbon leaders Hope this helps.
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How about the newer "Recessed Ring" tip tops? Here is a link to our site. Another option is the classic "Carboloy" ring material. We have discovered a cache of early USA made Carboloy tip tops and 2 foot guides. We will be posting them on our "hot Specials" page soon. Also, Pacific Bay and Batson both have them available in current production.
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I have been putting a drop shot style hook keeper on the top of a spin rod at the butt guide, incorporating it into the guide wrap. On cast rods, it goes under in the same place. The guide keeps the line away and I find it more convenient to have it up higher on the rod.
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Just make sure you have it spaced far enough from the face of the reel so as not to "choke it".
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Over the years, we have sold Batson Forecast fiberglass "SPG" blanks for small stream rods. The 6' and 6.5' SPG 720, 721, 780, 781 have been the most popular. here is a link;
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The explanation on the "FAQ's" page is a good one . Another thought is that reaming will make it easier if there is a large difference in size. But, using alcohol liberally as well as some epoxy will let it slide easier, and then dissipate. That leaves just the epoxy to set up and hold the grip tight. We usually lubricate with epoxy just above where the grip wants to "grab"
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This site has definitely helped keep the rod building craft thriving. It is especially rewarding as to how Tom manages it and everybody posts with a feeling of camaraderie. We are happy to be sponsors here for all these years. Thanks Tom.
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here is a link to our web page;
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