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Current Page: 2 of 3
Results 31 - 60 of 64
8 years ago
Thomas Bell
I've had some issues with the UV High Build and stopped using it. I find it's so thick that unless you warm it up a lot the mixer ball will only spin around in the cup. I tried thinning some but find that the regular High Build just easier to use. I also seem to entrap some fine air bubbles during the application that stay against the thread and won't come to the surface. Just too viscous for
Forum: rodboard
9 years ago
Thomas Bell
Roger what is the purpose of your message? Dow chemical makes a lot of different epoxies for a lot of different applications. This list of diluents is not intended for rod building epoxies. Almost all of these are for industrial applications. They are specialty products for specific applications.
Forum: rodboard
10 years ago
Thomas Bell
I recently built a 9 ft, 4 wt fly rod with a carbon fiber handle. Turned out it's one of the nicest fishing/casting rods I've ever used. My question is does the fiber handle actually shorten the 'effective' rod length? I'm guessing the rod does not flex thru the handle, so is the rod really an 8 footer (approx.). Also, if the rod does not bend thru the handle, would this type of handle be s
Forum: rodboard
10 years ago
Thomas Bell
Thanks for the replies. The ideas freely expressed on this sight are wonderful. I bet a black light would make a large diameter solar line light up great, seemed to work good on the old Velvet Elvis's!! I've never tried a fly line but I did try an orange braided nylon running line (the same line I use for static tests). A fly line would work much better and I will try it out. Lynn, I
Forum: rodboard
10 years ago
Thomas Bell
I actually goofed around using a laser level but several problems ended the experiment quickly. Laser located above reel seat. Problem one is my wrapper (3 piece model) isn't straight, 2: rod isn't straight, 3: butt guides blocked beam, and last the laser beam was wider than the guides I was using - BLAG 4's. Never thought about trying from the tip but that sounds like a better idea. That's
Forum: rodboard
10 years ago
Thomas Bell
Some sort of fiber optic line to run from a post mounted in the reel seat to the tip top, to help line up guides. (did that make sense?). As I get older lining up the guides seems to get more difficult. Or a room I don't have to dust!
Forum: rodboard
11 years ago
Thomas Bell
I've put size 4 Minima 4's on a 5 weight and they are too small to easily rig the rod by doubling over the fly line and pulling through. (Nail knot leader connection). They fish well but the knot is a bit of a pain sometimes. Next rod I will not use smaller than size 5 Minima 4's, or go back to single foot snakes. Anything heavier than a 6 wt will be double foot snakes. Make sure to test how
Forum: rodboard
11 years ago
Thomas Bell
I have run into this very line problem using small guides on a St. Croix UL. Batson size 3 guides (can't remember the #), 2 lb test and 1/32 oz jigs. When the rod gets wet the line may stick to the blank (surface tension maybe?) and occasionally screw up a cast. During a rain event it was much worse. For the most part it wasn't that big of a deal ( I figured caused by some 'crappie' casting
Forum: rodboard
11 years ago
Thomas Bell
I ask how it's going to be used. Tip down twitching a jerk bait, balance just slightly tip down. Worming or using a jig, tip slightly balanced up.
Forum: rodboard
11 years ago
Thomas Bell
Sorry about that, there are rooms available. Make sure to ask for a room for the expo! Will know better next time.
Forum: rodboard
11 years ago
Thomas Bell
Looks like all the cheap rooms are booked in both hotels. Any lodging nearby?
Forum: rodboard
12 years ago
Thomas Bell
If you subscribe to Rodmaker Mag. check out the photo for the Renzetti add. Shows a veteran setup. Personally I can't stand that long, but eye level and arm angle shown here might help.
Forum: rodboard
12 years ago
Thomas Bell
I agree with Russell, 12 on the stripper and wire (3's) from there on out. Except I like double foot stainless. If you get good stainless and rinse no worries about rust. The best thing about saltwater flyfishing is sooner or later you're going to tie into something big. It's going to take a lot of line out quickly. For me the biggest knot I must pass is not the leader/line or line/backing b
Forum: rodboard
12 years ago
Thomas Bell
Thanks for all the replies! I gouge first, then wallpaper sander (black with the big holes - forgot what it's called) then sandpaper up to 320. This is all on composite cork. My chuck does not have any wobble, but a larger mandrel wobbles just a tad if not supported by tailstock. I did have to file off some of the headstock where it tightens down on the frame when I got this lathe a coupl
Forum: rodboard
12 years ago
Thomas Bell
Bill, that's what I thought at first but the second time was matching up with firm fitting Fuji ECMS exposed blank trigger seat (rear of seat to front of back grip). Phil, I tend to tighten the mandrel, knuckle bustingly / tool chippingly close the the jaws. I figure the minimum exposed mandrel method would help keep the 'noise' vibration to a minimum. Could the barracuda jaws not be tig
Forum: rodboard
12 years ago
Thomas Bell
On my last two builds I've noticed that my turned synthetic grips aren't quite as round as my reel seats. In other words when I measure and sand to meet reel seat diameters I get one 'axis' that meets level and the other axis is off by just a hair. ie it's like I'm turning off center. Is it possible that my lathe isn't level from front center to back center? Is there anything I can do to fix
Forum: rodboard
13 years ago
Thomas Bell
Thanks Bill, saw these in action at the ICRBE and can't wait to try them.
Forum: rodboard
13 years ago
Thomas Bell
Lance, when you will have any additional sizes available?
Forum: rodboard
14 years ago
Thomas Bell
Building an Eglass blank and would like to use micros. The blank tip is almost 8/64ths and no luck trying to find a small tip top to fit that large of tip. How about using a tip top that just fits on the inside of the blank and secure with epoxy and wrap the outside? Thanks in advance!
Forum: rodboard
14 years ago
Thomas Bell
Building a flyrod for a saltwater friend. Purchased some 316 stainless snakes to keep the corrosion to a minimum. I know not all stainless is the same (especially far eastern stainless) but should a magnet be able to pick up ss316 guides? These guides were advertised for saltwater use. Thanks in advance.
Forum: rodboard
14 years ago
Thomas Bell
Thanks to all. I will be at High Point and at the reception! Let the shopping begin!
Forum: rodboard
14 years ago
Thomas Bell
Can anyone recommend a chartreuse color thread. I've checked out some wrap photos that are very close but don't know the manufacturer or color number. Thanks!! This should be an interesting build!
Forum: rodboard
14 years ago
Thomas Bell
Thanks for the info. Will continue to experiment with all of the above ideas! Great thing about this hobby (or profession!), new stuff to try all the time! Where may I pick up the Taps colors? Thanks again!
Forum: rodboard
14 years ago
Thomas Bell
First attempts at marbeling. Trying some yellow over black background, the yellow appears to loose it's intensity and starts to look more green/chartreuse. Tried yellow over already hardened black and also tried yellow onto fresh blackened epoxy. Both attempts resulted with a greenish looking yellow. Although I don't want a white background, would this help? Or maybe a yellow background with
Forum: rodboard
15 years ago
Thomas Bell
Jeff: I also do business with Versitex about once a month. I have had nothing but great service although I also pick up my supplies. Give Patti a call (she's great!!). Can't comment about Shikari or All star as I don't use them.
Forum: rodboard
15 years ago
Thomas Bell
Bill, I'm in the middle of the same project. Take a look at the Steeler jersey, it does indeed have a white band. (I didn't know this and I bleed Black and Gold) As for thread color I'm doing black, white(002 Gudebrod) , and goldenrod (209 Gudebrod). White and goldenrod are NCP. (the gold Gudebrod looked a little too green to me) For my rods, I've turned some ebony for the handles and copie
Forum: rodboard
15 years ago
Thomas Bell
I've only two 1/8 inch eva bands in the handle. The accent rings (2) are wood and will need some treatment. Did a little test on a small band of EVA and Tru-oil seemed ok. Thanks.
Forum: rodboard
15 years ago
Thomas Bell
I've just finished a fly handle with burl cork, ruberized cork, EVA, and checkerboard accent rings. I'm questioning the durability of the accent rings, and was thinking of a coat or two of Tru-Oil or a coat of cork seal. Any suggestions? I have little experience with the Tru-Oil and wonder how it will affect the EVA?
Forum: rodboard
15 years ago
Thomas Bell
I'm in the middle of prepping some TiCH DF wire guides, and the plating seems to be flaking off. Are these guides ok to use? It only seems to be flaking off on the feet (of course I'm not prepping the rest of the guide). Will this be an issue in the future, say rust or additional flaking? Thanks in advance.
Forum: rodboard
15 years ago
Thomas Bell
Just a point. Species of fish may also play into guide size consideration. Nothing like watching the top section of a 4 piece rod go shooting thru the water with a big ol' knot of running line stuck in the top. Praying it's an albie and not a 15 lb blue fish on the other end!!!
Forum: rodboard
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Current Page: 2 of 3

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