I learned the hard way many years ago. Now I mix full 6cc batches and haven't had any more problems. You can do a LOT of rod finishing out of one 8 ounce kit so it's really not that expensive. I know it doesn't get old and go bad but I like to have fresh finish around anyway so I don't worry about trying to make one kit last for years.
Forum: rodboard

This is a great site for sure but there is a place where you can get even much more and even better info. Just get a subscription to Rodmaker mag and all you'll have all this kind of info plus the full articles and photos right at your fingertips. Also use the FAQS and Glossary on this site to fill in when needed and don't forget about the search function here. But get the magazine and some ba
Forum: rodboard

I would spend more time on good assembly and choosing lightweight components. Guide spacing and sizing and adding a comfortable grip. These are the things I think are most important for the fisherman.
Forum: rodboard

You have a problem and will learn like the rest of us did. If you ordered and paid by credit card notify your card company NOW. They will make you write a letter to Rocky Mountain disputing the charges for the order you never received. Save a copy and forward it to the credit card company. Then they will reverse the charges for you and hold Rocky Mountain accountable. If you paid by check or P
Forum: rodboard

Rodmaker volume 6 number 1 has everything you'd ever want to know about doing narrow trim bands and inlays. The step by step photos are a big help. Cost way less than a DVD and you'll learn it all in just minutes.
Forum: rodboard

The super glue thing works. Many wood turners are using it as a finish now. Just put on enough to fill any open cracks or seams and then sand everything back down flush. Polish or buff and your done.
Forum: rodboard

True but here's the thing, The Rodcrafter Journal was already in existance. When you started Rodmaker it took rod building publications to an entirely new and much higher level that was previously unheard of. Same with this website. Plenty of other rod building websites were already around but this one introduced new features and usability that were previously unheard of in rod building. It set a
Forum: rodboard

Strong enough is strong enough. I always use color preserver and have never had a guide fail due to a weak wrap. A steel rod blank would be a lot stronger than graphite or glass. Maybe consider going that route as well? Never yet had a fish jump out of the water and remove a guide from my rod with a razor blade. But those west coast fish may be a lot meaner than what we have out here!
Forum: rodboard

Uh, just an idea, but maybe you would be better off contacting Rodmaker magazine?
Forum: rodboard

Do NOT waste your time or money. I tried some of C&Ds 5-Star and it was some of the worst crap I've very seen. Pits holes and craters. Awful, awful, awful. Luckily they did allow me to return it. Only other person I know who also tried them had the same experience. I saw some GREAT cork at the rod builders show in Charlotte this past February. Best to buy it is to buy it in person. Mak
Forum: rodboard

Just turn it as often as it needs to be turned. That's all there is to that. When it starts to get heavy on one side, flip it 180 degrees. Always 180 degrees. Beg, borrow or steal a copy of the volume 9 number 2 issue of Rodmaker for the article on finishing. It will answer about every question you have on the subject and get you a perfect finish every time.
Forum: rodboard

I've gone to the suggestions I've gotten off this board. I color permagloss with TAP pigment and then do the whole job in one step. Takes about 2 coats. I wet a pad of cloth with the colored permagloss and then just wipe it on in about two passes one down each side of the blank. Wait 30 minutes and do it again and I'm done.
Forum: rodboard

That's what I just did.
Forum: rodboard

I'm not sure what a BBS is. But yes there is this one. And I'm sure there are dozens and dozens of others. Whatever the (*%I& a BBS is. If you are talking about rod building message boards, there are several. In terms of features and quality information from hundreds and hundreds of helpful rod builders I think you would be hard pressed to top this one. And you don't have to pay any sort o
Forum: rodboard

It was discussed here in the last week or so. Just a do a search on "story pole" and you should turn up all the info.
Forum: rodboard

I've had good luck with both Rainshadow and St. Croix models in 9' 8wt. I use the Ritz grip so the user can alter his hand spacing during the day without getting cramps. It's become my favorite grip style. There are some guys who use these rods with reels loaded with mono and they flip with split shot. Ask your customer about that. I know this is done a lot in the upper midwest around the Gre
Forum: rodboard

They were once a sponsor here but got removed because of all the complaints lodged against them. I think. Just be careful and do NOT pay up front. I think you can order direct from Dan. That might be the smarter move.
Forum: rodboard

Lou, in the 7 years since you let yours lapse you wouldn't believe how much stuff has been in there and how much the magazine has improved. It was always good but it's a WAY different animal at this point than it was those first two volumes. I can't think of any topic on this or any board that hasn't been covered in much greater depth in the magazine and most of the really new technologies or adv
Forum: rodboard

The IRS came up with the 60% thing. Tom, is the excise tax article on the library page? If it is you can get the ruling number for the 60% rule there.
Forum: rodboard

I have used one. Thought it was great and had zero complaints. But I also think it's overpriced compared to many other blanks that are just as good. I don't think these have much boron in them but I do like the feel.
Forum: rodboard

I still can't give specifics because I don't have my magazines in front of me. The Rodmaker article on making a lathe from a bench top drill press had that info in there I'm pretty sure. I think it was around 1500 to 2000 rpm but can't remember for sure. Consult the article rod the right speed.
Forum: rodboard

Buying rod building stuff on @#$%& is a crap shoot. I've done it a few times but won't do it anymore.
Forum: rodboard

If you have the artitcle in Rodmaker that showed how to make these repairs and new ferrules, there was also a formula for figuring out the correct length of the sleeve. I don't have it in front of me but if you have that issue it's in there. It might also be in the article on rod repair in the online library on this website.
Forum: rodboard