robert smith Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- @#$%& is > great for old records, hand tools, sneakers or a > pair of used waders but not for skilled labor. Amen and Amen I use @#$%& a lot. What do I use it for? I use it to get great deals on equipment and supplies for the studio or the school. I use it to add nice estate pipes to my collection when
Forum: rodboard

Billy, I have seen the badmouthing and undercutting in the engraving market as well as the trade secret attitude where no one would share technique info with their competitor for fear they would not survive the lose tongue. Years ago that was the norm in engraving circles. American engraving suffered because if it. the 50s and 60s were the Dark Ages of American engraving. The quality of Amer
Forum: rodboard

Thanks guys, Mark my website is rcoverengraving.com I do have other rods there besides the one I posted in the photo gallery. All of my rods except a couple at this point have been bought by collectors of my engraving. Some of which do not even fish. Most do but some don't. They are buying my work because they collect engraving and they like my artwork. I have recognized prices from $
Forum: rodboard

I have been looking at a few of the rod expos and conclaves around and they seem to be a bit different than other trade shows I am used to. Most rod shows seem to be manufacturers selling to rod builders . Are there any trade shows where you guys get together and sell and promote your rods to collectors? Most of the custom knife shows, custom gun shows, engraving shows, pipe shows, etc.
Forum: rodboard

Not sure I did this right but I posted pics of a recent build on a sage 4wt over in the photo section. Comments and questions welcome. The rod was built on a sage 8'6" 4pc 4wt. I make and engrave all my own hardware. This is one of my internal thread reel seat with a single engraved hood. The trout is 24K inlay in the titanium. Thanks, Ray
Forum: rodboard

I also use Sulky Metalics on almost every rod I build with absolutely no ill effect. I don't and will not use CP period. I don't like the way the stuff makes thread and feathers look. The full bottle is good for holding feathers down on the bench to keep the air conditioner from blowing them away. That's all I use CP for. A note on silicone lubes on threads. I have my doubts there. All
Forum: rodboard

Tony, Most if not all spalted woods used on reel seats will be stabilized with acrylic monomers Spalting is caused by the fungus that helps wood in its deterioration process as it rots. If the reel seat has a nice spidering of fine black lines then it has enough of the fungus in it that it will continue to rot if it is not stabilized. By time spalted woods have enough black line in th
Forum: rodboard

DO a google search for WSSI (Wood Stabilizing Specialist International) They are up in Iowa. Mike will sell you a block of wood already stabilized and ready to turn. If you sen dhim the reel seat he may even be able to match colors pretty close for you. BTW he is the guy who stabilizes bellinger and other brand reel seats. Ho do you tell if it is stabilized? The older it is th har
Forum: rodboard