Lance Schreckenbach Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > This is going to make many people angry because > they have not done the testing for themselves. A > lot of us make a big deal about weight of the > guides. What I have seen is that tip top fly > guides and guides with stainless steel inserts > weight a lot more than ceramic single foot
Forum: rodboard

Very impressed with Seaguide’s products, customer service, and now this info. Excellent !
Forum: rodboard

I've used American Rodbuilder's Warehouse for the Seaguide light fly guides - I actually bought all the stock they had of size 7's. I'm incorporating them into my ice rod builds. The other Seaguide suppliers listed on SG's website appear to stock only limited SG offerings, or none at all. Does anyone know of a source for the light wire, Adaman coated fly guides ? I have a feeling SG's site ma
Forum: rodboard

thanks Ray!
Forum: rodboard

How does one go about getting a mystery box of NFC blanks? That sounds like fun!
Forum: rodboard

I’d assume you are talking about a rod for an iFish pro or JawJacker type setup? I don’t know of anybody who runs a true deadstick for Lakers - many rods would be lost down the hole! For a jawjacker or iFish - I like 3” of handle off the back of the reel seat. It’s enough to sit securely in the holder, but not so much as to put the rod tip too far out from the trigger apparatus. It also do
Forum: rodboard

doesn't the acetone eat the blank's finish if applied at full strength to the wrap?
Forum: rodboard

It absolutely could be - but even a tool that works ‘all around’ could excel at certain tasks. More clear for you?
Forum: rodboard

Ok given the NFC sale going on now, I’m again perusing their blanks. The SB683 has a published weight of 1.1oz, which is seems out of line with other blanks in the series. Can anyone confirm an actual measured weight on these? Also - they list the blank as an all purpose spinning blank - but the specs make it look to excel for drop shot or walleye live bait jigging. Any thoughts from those wh
Forum: rodboard

1)ergonomics 2)weight 3)balance in order of importance, IMHO
Forum: rodboard

Not Mike, but I agree with what Third Mike had to say! I love my Alps wrapper but the thread carriage is a huge weak point. OP - sorry I do not know if the CRB carriage fits the Alps. I think that answer is probably no however….
Forum: rodboard

will it work? probably. I'd never do that in my shop, on something I was going to put my name on.
Forum: rodboard

The 1/32 was referenced in a YT video I was watching on the subject. I honestly thought it sounded very light, but I lack knowledge on the BFS baitcaster reels available and what weights they can handle - so I went with it! Thanks for your insight!
Forum: rodboard

Correct Joel - you understand what I'm talking about here. The methods of finding, approaching, and presenting a lure to a fish are changing RAPIDLY as FFS tech grows in its use and the technology is maturing. You can drive past a timber crib that is holding fish 80' away from your boat - mark a waypoint on it from your side imaging - navigate to it with your trolling motor, Spot Lock 20 feet a
Forum: rodboard

Hey all - ok, I'm new to BFS, but am interested in the concept. I read the thread here on a light smallmouth stream BFS blank - and that got the gears turning. Now, I'm finding that people are using BFS techniques for crappie fishing - and particularly in conjunction with FFS technology. So, flipping 1/32oz jigs for crappie in brush/cribs, video game fishing on their livescope. Pretty fun con
Forum: rodboard

Certainly is WAY overkill to remove and replace the entire handle assembly. If you can identify the reel seat size, pretty good chance a replacement nut could work - but the downside is you basically have to remove the bigger guides to test fit. But realistically, speaking, any repair is going to cost far more than the rod is worth - unless there is some sentimental attachment.... I like Roger'
Forum: rodboard

I will say that I have not used, or actually even seen 'in person' the microwave guides. But - and of course this is only MY personal reaction - when I first saw them I thought they looked like a gimmick. Just a little too busy maybe? Not sure - the aesthetics ruin it for me.
Forum: rodboard

I'm curious if anyone has done any testing between an 'old school' NGC setup vs a KR setup. I would expect increased performance from the KR setup, particularly on light freshwater rods, but I'm curious how much of an improvement is to be expected? I always used to build on the variation of the NGC that used a two guide transition and typically a size 20 high frame/match spinning guide for the
Forum: rodboard

no problem!
Forum: rodboard

luddite here - what is "BFS" Bass Finesse Spinning?
Forum: rodboard

I never really had issues with other epoxies - it's just that Gen 4 is so repeatable, much less sensitive to environmental factors, and a really good fit for me in terms of pot life/workability. It just works for me, and I have to think about it much less than other epoxies I've used in the past. Flex Coat is a very good product as well - it's obviously the "original" guide wrap e
Forum: rodboard

No heat, no fuss, no bubbles. Great working time - I agree with your comment on the long, even pot life. Flows, applies, and cures wonderfully at temps down to 63-64 degrees. Did I mention crystal clear? It's honestly the product that gave me enough confidence in repeatability of my finishes that I felt comfortable to go get my LLC and start selling rods. Love the stuff.
Forum: rodboard

never had a wrapper with a disc tensioner before - didn't realize it would be needed. I have a pre-existing bias against them anyways, so was looking to change up the carriage even before I received the wrapper. The hand wrappers I've built in the past have been variations of a 'pressure the spool' method.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks guys - curiosity got the best of me today, so 20 seconds and a center punch had the smooth spindles out of the alps carriage. A trip to Ace Hardware for stainless bolts, stainless and delrin washers, and stainless wing nuts - think I have a good solution! Roger - was an issue with more than a couple thread spools, so I’m pretty sure it’s a hardware issue. I’ll probably have to disasse
Forum: rodboard

I have a few rods under my belt with my Alps wrapper. Love the machine so far, but I seem to be getting some thread fuzzies happening. I build mostly ice rods, so I’m looking for a low profile way to replace/mod the thread carriage to go to a spool tensioning setup. I don’t want to go with the Al Engling carriage just because I feel that’s more bulk than I want to deal with. Has anyone modifi
Forum: rodboard

yep, many a rod has been wrapped with a cardboard box with v cutouts and a phone book to tension the thread. Obviously the nicer the equipment helps to make the process more efficient, possibly more enjoyable, etc. I guess my point is not whether or not the Flex Coat wrapper is worth the money - it most certainly is! But - I'd suggest making sure you are going to make this a constant endeavor
Forum: rodboard

It sure seems to be hard to find right now - following….
Forum: rodboard

Mark - I build 99% ice rods here in northern Wisconsin (Marion Lake Custom Rods). I’d strongly suggest building or buying a hand wrapper and honing your craft on that tool first. I have the Alps power wrapper, and while the features are very nice to have, I think the power wrapper learning curve is steep enough that it will frustrate a brand new builder more than necessary. Many higher volume
Forum: rodboard

Surform rasp is a great tool to make the handle concentric to the mandrel and provide a rough shape. I follow that with belt sander belts in 80 and 100 grit - these provide nice shaping qualities, limited flex, but great for working shapes. Follow that up with 120-320 sandpaper progression. As noted above - light pressure and high RPM's is important for sure!
Forum: rodboard

I really like Orange and green together
Forum: rodboard