Terry, Call Fishsticks4u (they are listed on the left), they are a full line dealer and I just looked it up on their website under "M" series guides (Forecast). I am new to this craft and these guys have really helped me out. Good Luck, Steve
Forum: rodboard

Mo, It's the new "Americanized Way". We are not allowed to descriminate against being over-weight so the instruments have all been re-calibrated secretly to reflect a lighter weight than they actually are. If this is really happening, maybe we can put a projected weight on our finished rods, you know, how much we think they will weigh in a year. I wish some of mine would get light
Forum: rodboard

New to the craft, I been buying up discount blanks to practice and learn on. I bought a bunch of these blanks from Swampland along with the described hook keepers and some Castaway fully exposed reelseats. Lance was very helpful to me and offered very quick turn around on my order. I'll be back again for more stuff real soon. Thanks again Lance, Steve
Forum: rodboard

Guys, This is exactly the information I was looking for. From what I see here on this board in pictures of finished products and the work my "teacher" showed me, I have a ways to go. However, I will always strive to do my best and, as a machinist by trade, that is better than most peoples expectations almost all the time. Thanks again for helping me out, Steve
Forum: rodboard

I am beginning to repair some rods for friends. I am not sure how much to charge for replacing mid rod guides? I don't want to charge too much but also don't want to short myself. There is also the concern that you could damage the rod removing the old guide, wrap and epoxy. What do you charge for your services? Does this vary with single vs double foot guides? Do you add the price of the gu
Forum: rodboard

As always, you guys have some great information. The custome labels from cabochonrods look great, I am going to try that out soon. I had also thought about trying to get some clear mailing labels for my general information like name and phone number, has anyone tried that route? Thanks, Steve
Forum: rodboard

I thought about using labels for my rods instead of hand-writing my name or anything else. Those of you who use labels, where do you get them? Thanks, Steve
Forum: rodboard

Sorry about the email thing, I think it is visible now. I have 2 addresses, my work is steve.chontos@delta.com and home is zeke392@yahoo.com. I am off work fishing through Sunday. I work for Delta Air Lines and c
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for all this input, I really appreciate your time. Being new to this craft, I have a bunch of questions and you have always been there. Thanks again, Steve
Forum: rodboard

Being new to this great "hobby", it is killing me to sit down and try to figure out my guide sizes that I need for specific rods and then some for repair. I would like to match any repair guides as best I can when doing that but it's tough sometimes figuring it all out. I have seen some rod kits that come pre-packaged per rod but they are usually more expensive than buying each guide se
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the info so far. I guess I am really looking for hook latches, similar to those @#$%& has for sale. The ones I seen were not as long as those but they will definitely work. Thanks again for your help, this is a great site. Steve
Forum: rodboard

I am looking to purchase some of the open ended hook keepers like Castaway uses on their rods. Can anyone tell me where to purchase them? Thank you, Steve
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Bill, those same rods were on display at the Classic too. I never heard of them before but came really really close to buying 1 then. They also had the Ultra series of rods too, they were all beautiful. Looks like I'll be making an order with Swampland soon, keep us posted on the reel seats and website. Steve Chontos
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the input so far. The rear section of the reel seats need to be size specific to obtain the right look. The front can be "one size fits all" as mentioned in this post earlier. I got hooked into rodbuilding after I went to the Bassmaster Classic and seen the Airrus rods there for sale. After looking at them and the Daiwa Steez rods and now the Shimano Cumara rods, I really
Forum: rodboard

Does anybody manufacture the 2 piece casting reel seats that we are seeing on high-end rods recently? I am new to rodbuilding and to this site. I know there is a previous post about this but it didn't really answer this question. Swampland rods says they will have some soon but their website in un-available. I really like the 2 piece casting reel seats and have built 2 rods so far, making my own
Forum: rodboard

I have a Shimano "Fightin Rod" at home which is the same rod in a casting version (I think). Call me tonight at home around 9pm (eastern) and I will give you some dimensions and help you in any way I can. I can also take some pictures and send them to you if you like. 770 487-9103 Steve Chontos
Forum: rodboard