Good luck to you, for sure. As a suggestion...if you decide to try another epoxy manufacturer, order the smallest quantity. If it works for you, great...they make more. If you don't like it, the investment is small. Epoxies are different. There are builders who could use any & all of them without a hitch, and then some just need to find one that fits their style and/or environment.
Forum: rodboard

I think it was called LB. Did Fuji stop making these? They were a heavy framed single foot that I believe was rated to 30#.
Forum: rodboard

Bob is the lump centrally located on the wrap, or is it close to the end of the wrap? Is it a football/teardrop lump, or is it a quick peak like a pyramid?
Forum: rodboard

Does the direction of the spiral really affect casting?
Forum: rodboard

Sure, he can ream it. Buts also having issues getting g a .5"I'd Eva grip over a .51"od blank. I was just trying to point out the obvious...lubrication. But what works for you works best. Different methods to reach the same end. That's never a bad thing for the masses.
Forum: rodboard

I think the key here is as Tom & I stated. Use something to get epoxy inside the grip. A wooden dowel or even the tip section of your rod will work. Just liberally coat the piece as I stated, slide the grip over it, and swirl it around inside the hole. Then it "should" slide much easier on your butt section. Best of luck to you.
Forum: rodboard

I don't ream eva. Size the ID so it's as close as you can find...it'll stretch. Slide it on the blank to see where it stops. Remove the grip, and then go several inches ABOVE that spot & liberally apply your epoxy. You will slide the grip down over the epoxy and spin it around. You are wanting to coat the inside of the grip. The epoxy will act as a lubricant, and you'll be able to sli
Forum: rodboard

Matthew Paul his leader may never go through the guides, but his backing may. Don't forget the junction/knot from the fly line to the backing.
Forum: rodboard

Why would you epoxy an entire blank? As stated, wrong product for the job. Maybe I just don't pay attention...but I've never seen a rod blank fully coated in epoxy. I've heard of it, but I've never seen it.
Forum: rodboard

Why would you epoxy an entire blank? As stated, wrong product for the job.
Forum: rodboard

Make sure your ambient air temperature is warm enough. Cold epoxy is thick epoxy. I've read where some guys even keep small epoxy bottles in their pockets a little while before mixing. I've also read where some folk will QUICKLY microwave one or both parts A&B before mixing...careful with this as you don't want it hot...or even warm. The other thing is, are you using a high-build epoxy?
Forum: rodboard

My recommendation for keeping the wife happy. Put a sheet of foil (Reynolds wrap) on the table the length of your rod. Any epoxy spills/drips will be of no worry. I do all of my epoxy work inside the house. My dryer is set up in a small utility room where I can close the door and turn on a small space heater. No worries about cool temperatures.
Forum: rodboard

When did you apply the epoxy...how long has it been? Where has it been in the meantime? In the basement? In a temperature regulated part of the house? Did you save the pot you mixed the epoxy in? If so, how does it look? PS...always save the pot.
Forum: rodboard

Like Tom, I prefer downlocking with no foregrip. Trim the threads and it's a great spinning setup.
Forum: rodboard

Fred, in your example the line will most certainly not be rubbing on your hand. . It'll be rubbing the foregrip...THROUGH your hand!
Forum: rodboard

Not knowing what product you're looking for, I'll suggest Lowe's or Home Depot. Cork floor tiles are fairly common.
Forum: rodboard

Here is an example of a false underwrap...the look w/o the bulk.
Forum: rodboard

You can do thin coats with high build...just don't put as much on.
Forum: rodboard

Your drill is most likely fine as long as you're able to hold the mandrel steady. To speed things up try using a Stanley SureForm to quickly get close to your desired shape. Nothing slow about the SureForm when it comes to turning cork!
Forum: rodboard

The best finish, to me, is the one you know how to use. Each one has their own idiosyncrasies. The one you are familiar with is the one that works for you not because that's a lousy reason, but rather because it IS familiar to you. Is one better than another? I'll leave that for the peanut gallery to debate. I know which one I use, but I use it because I know how to use it...not beca
Forum: rodboard

I've never seen guides listed by the box (not that I've looked for them that way). But if I were in the market, I'd pick up the phone and ask.
Forum: rodboard

Have you tried speaking with any of the sponsors to the left?
Forum: rodboard

Sounds like you are gearing up for a challenge, Bryan! Just wanted to repeat that at 1/2 spool your drag has doubled (up to 2# now)...3/4 spool and it doubles again (4# at that point). Best of luck in your ventures.
Forum: rodboard

This survey is based on conjecture...at best. It is a great conversation, but not much else. Every builder and every application can be so different. So many specialize in a particular aspect of the industry that the numbers from each will usually be scewed in a particular direction. Still...it's fun to know what others use most of.
Forum: rodboard

Same as Jim & Col. Mine are stored in the caps right on the bottles. I never clean them.
Forum: rodboard

As John stated, I would shoot for a reel that is capable opperating with .5# of drag (or less). Lots of line capacity and let the fish exhaust itself.
Forum: rodboard

I think you can say all modern ceramic guides will withstand braided line, but you certainly can't say "all guides" and lump every one of them into that category. As to the OP...I'm confident that Kigan guides can handle braid since they are ceramic.
Forum: rodboard

That was my point when I mentioned the drag as well, Ted. Initial drag set to 50% of the breaking strength of the line leaves VERY little room for error...especially considering the line should actually break BELOW 2# for IGFA elligibility. Couple that with a fish that's going to take 3/4 the spool and then you have to figure in the drag increase from spool diameter...plus the increased fricti
Forum: rodboard

I agree that Bill's Google search turned up many coins with trout on them.
Forum: rodboard

Sanford...are you talking about the finish on the rod blank itself or are you talking about the Threadmaster on your guide wraps? Or are you coating the entire blank with Threadmaster? Sorry for the questions, just trying to fully understand your situation instead of assuming. Thanks.
Forum: rodboard