Dremel with a cut off wheel is all that you need. Just take it really slow, especially if there is little space between the gimbal and the blank.
Forum: rodboard

China markers can be ordered thru the office depot catalog or go to Mudhole or Anglers workshop.
Forum: rodboard

Just a heads up.... Thanks for all the suggestions. I cooked that reel seat for what seems like over an hour and it would not budge. Finally took the dremel and cut the fixed hood off first. Then I cut along the reel seat. It still would not budge after inserting the screw driver in the cut and twisting. I could feel the epoxy breaking but the seat would not budge. Got the dremel out again
Forum: rodboard

Phil Ewanicki Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Mel: After a long soak in boiling water did you > try slow, steady, constant pressure? Yes, I did. I mounted the reel seat onto a reel stand and then put the reel stand into my vice. I used steady constant pressure to a point where I could feel the blank start to torque. I did not want to go too far an
Forum: rodboard

Phil Ewanicki Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Mel: After a long soak in boiling water did you > try slow, steady, constant pressure? Yes, I did. I mounted the reel seat onto a reel stand and then put the reel stand into my vice. I used steady constant pressure to a point where I could feel the blank start to torque. I did not want to go too far an
Forum: rodboard

I could have used that glue a few days ago.....lol
Forum: rodboard

No luck last night. I'll continue the hot and cold treatment for a bit more and then its the dremel to cut it off. This rod bond is good stuff.
Forum: rodboard

Don't see it here.
Forum: rodboard

This is a first for me. Alternate Heat and then Cold? Going home soon to try.
Forum: rodboard

The ferrules are pre-installed but be sure to wrap the ferrule before you start pulling on the blank. It is notoriously a weak spot on the blank until it has a wrap of thread over it.
Forum: rodboard

Well, it was no fun and no love. I feel like the wolf that could not blow the brick house down. Boy, one thing that is good is that the rod bond is really tough stuff. And who said that the masking tape bushings are no good to use...won't hold......lol I think that the problem is that the aftco #1 seat is such a tight fit onto the blank. Only needed about three or four wraps to get a good fi
Forum: rodboard

If they are Fuji concept guides, the sizes of the guides should be stamped on the frame.
Forum: rodboard

I will give it a try tonight. Hopefully it will work. The information given here is very much appreciated. I will boil it long enough and will see if it will come off. Remember, be patient....be patient....be patient. Thanks all.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks. Good idea. I think I have a strap wrench lying around somewhere. I tried the pulling and that doesn't work at all. Will try to loosen with a strap wrench. How much time in the boiling water? Can I overdo it? Don't want to damage the blank.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks guys. Now I have to see if we have a pot that deep. I may have to go borrow one from a restaurant client.... lol
Forum: rodboard

Yes. Lakeland and mudhole. I've used this seat often. The one I've been using is aluminum though. They may make a chrome one too.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the replies. Boiling it? Will the epoxy soften enough so that the seat will just slide off or does it take a lot of effort? Pliers needed? How do I get that rod into a pot of boiling water?
Forum: rodboard

Big mistake. Needed to install this aftco reel seat in the down locking position. Installed with rod bond. How much heat is needed to break it free and perhaps save the reel seat? Hair dryer doesn't do the job. Suggestions?
Forum: rodboard

Google Ocean Tackle International
Forum: rodboard

I am pretty sure that Billy was speaking of Bluefin Tuna ( bft ) and not Blackfin Tuna ( also BFT). I am gearing up for a gulf trip in November too. My build is on the OTI 7.5 blank. I like the balance to fall right at the reel. Seems to me that in most cases, you need addl weight in the butt section to balance or need to move the reel up. Assume you will be putting a gimble on the butt
Forum: rodboard

Google Alvey Reels and they have a usa site that answers a lot of your questions. I have built a couple of surf rods in the distant past but all that I remember is that the butt section is very short and a long foregrip is needed for the casting technique of the alvey reels. That open quide is only used when retrieving line. The internet is full of information on the Alvey and you shoulb be ab
Forum: rodboard

I too am interested in an answer. Here is what I have found thus far. I have used the phenix blanks and recently found an OTI blank that fits the bill. Since neither are sponsers, please do a search on google to find their websites. Both blanks are made overseas in China using japanese materials.
Forum: rodboard

Yes lots of vendors. Swifty Mfg and All American roller guides will be there.
Forum: rodboard

I'll take a stab... perhaps MNSG
Forum: rodboard

I only build rods for myself. I use the blanks that fit my needs regardless of where it is built. Among the US manufacturers, I cannot find a blank to match the rods used for saltwater popping and vertical jigging for tuna. I travel so I need rods that are two pieces. I like the blanks that are ferruled closer to the butt end where 1/3 of the blank is butt and 2/3 of the blank is the tip end.
Forum: rodboard

Hi Sandra. I take it that you are from Australia? Well, I can only advise about the California aspect of your trip. First, March is still winter in much of the higher elevations of California. You mention fishing. The general fishing season in the High Sierras does not begin until the last saturday in April. Much of the best fishing locations in the Sierras will be closed and in fact some o
Forum: rodboard

sponser link to the right does not work for American Tackle also.
Forum: rodboard

sponser link to the right does not work for American Tackle also.
Forum: rodboard

Hi Paul. Any chance that you still have some jigging master blanks for sale? I found a site in Singapore but not sure if they are reliable. Would appreciate your assessment of the Hopper blanks when you get them. I have tried contacting the source but they have not been responsive to phone calls nor emails. Maybe the holidays. I'll keep trying. Thanks.
Forum: rodboard

What do you use for clean up of mixing containers and measuring containers?
Forum: rodboard