This is the first year that I will miss in the last 4 years. My "regular" job is hindering my ability to attend this year and I am NOT happy about it at all. Looking forward to seeing some pictures and hearing all about it though.
Forum: rodboard

I have that same color of gold metallic and have not had that problem. I tend to agree that the thread is possibly faulty or contaminated. I also agree with stripping a few layers off and trying that. But, in doing that, you are having to throw away thread that you paid for. Even if it works OK after you strip a few layers, you have lost thread at no fault of your own. I would try and return
Forum: rodboard

I have an old GLoomis 5wt - 8ft. long that I use. Well, it's actually a 4wt with 5wt line on it. It's a 2pc. rod. I have even caught some decent size bass on it without any problems. I mostly use dry flies or very slow sinkng flies though.
Forum: rodboard

I use almost exclusively Kigan and can vouch that they hold up very well to braid and superlines. I use Coalite rings mostly and some Zirconia. 99% of my builds get Kigan guides with coalite rings. Excellent guides.
Forum: rodboard

I have had 2 customer rods where the ring came out on the running guides. One on each rod. I have put those guides on 4 or 5 rods now since the last Expo. I do not use them on most of my rods though, so I am not concerned. I only use them when requested specifically. I use Kigan High frame guides, which are the same height as Fuji's KL-H guides. I have not had any failures with those and I
Forum: rodboard

I also have built ultra lights using Kigan's high frame spinning guides with rapid choke. Kigan's new high frames are the same height as Fuji's KR guides.
Forum: rodboard

Kigan ZH (High Frame) spinning guides are my all-around favorite. I have put them on approximately 8 or 9 rods now and have had very good comments from the customers. They have all of the benefits of zero tangle, same height as Fuji's KR guides but with a slightly different frame design, quick reduction, and cast very well. I am in the process of changing my personal spinning rods to those gui
Forum: rodboard

If you go with a cheap IM6 blank, you might want to CCS test it. I have built a few low-cost fly rods, on sale that advertised 4 or 5 wt and ended up being 3 and 4 wt with a very slow action. Not at all what they advertised.
Forum: rodboard

I bought one at Big Lots that fit fairly close. I had to wrap the collar with masking tape a few times for a tight fit, but the drill will lock on at any speed. Works great.
Forum: rodboard

I use an 8'6" - 4wt. with 5wt. floating line on it. My father used a 3 wt until recently. He claimed that the 3 wt was just a tad too light, especially if you get into some nice crappie or large red ear. I would go with the 4 or 5 wt.
Forum: rodboard

I met Mike several years ago. He taught me more about rod building than I ever imagined. He helped me grow as a builder and helped out at our gatherings tremendously. I honestly do not think he thought very high of himself. He is humble man. He is a great guy in every way and I always looked forward to his visits with us here in Ohio and at the Expos. The demos he did on decal making were
Forum: rodboard

I have used model paint with no problems.
Forum: rodboard

Nice job with the website. I had no problems at all with my first order through the new site. You have really come a long way since I first met you and began building on Hydra blanks. Keep up the great work, great customer service, and keep building excellent blanks.
Forum: rodboard

You may get many different answers on this one. I built a 4 weight last year but it was an 8', not a 9'. I used a size 10 single foot, zero tangle guide (Kigan) as my stripper, then a size 8 SF, then put my SF runners on. Can't remember what size runners I used though.
Forum: rodboard

Build it on the straightest axis. Many, many builders use the straightest axis with no issues whatsoever.
Forum: rodboard

I use a DF for the butt guide because I have replaced several non-double foots on rods that were used in tournament fishing. The butt guides have a tendency to break when "some" pro-anglers shove them in their rod lockers on their boat. I always replace them with a DF and I haven't had any failures on the repairs or new builds. It may just be the customers I deal with, but they don't
Forum: rodboard

When I use 4's I start with either a DF 6 or DF 5. I almost always use Kigan Coalite's or Zirconia's.
Forum: rodboard

I like to use Fuji SK2, ECSM and PacBay Minimas. I really liked the old style Castaway exposed seats, but they are different now.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks everyone.
Forum: rodboard

Permagloss it is then. This will be my first time with it. I've used Lumiseal in the past. Not sure if there is a difference, but I figured I'd try it. When I used the Lumiseal I used a fairly cheap brush and it could have looked better that's for sure.
Forum: rodboard

I keep reading about wrap finishes for Bamboo and most suggest Spar Varnish. Is there anything wrong with using PG or Lumiseal? I'm not trying to put it back to original. I just wanted to rebuild it to make it fishable and look better. It was given to me without any guides on it at all and the ferrules were all loose. PG or Spar? Any suggestions?
Forum: rodboard

I appreciate the respones and help. I think I'll try a good brush first on a test wrap and go from there.
Forum: rodboard

I bought one also and love it. I have used it with Nylon and Silk. Nice tool. You can pack with it also on the flat edge portion.
Forum: rodboard

I have plenty of foam brushes. I've used those to apply it to a blank before, but not wraps. Thanks for the input.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the help everyone.
Forum: rodboard

I am debating using a good brush or a spatula. The ones I use for CP are the low cost ones, and the ones I use for epoxy are good Sable brushes. I think that the brush cleaner will clean it up, I'm just not sure about it. Thanks for the info.
Forum: rodboard

I have searched and found lots of info on PG, but I have not found what most use to apply PG on wraps. I am rebuilding and old Bamboo rod and would like the best possible applcation technique on the wraps. Do you guys use a good brush, cheap brush, spatula or other? Sorry if this has been covered before.
Forum: rodboard

Thank you guys for the great products and great prices.
Forum: rodboard

It's better than the temp here, for sure.
Forum: rodboard

I use a spade type bit in a Grizzly drill lathe. I chuck up the bit in the drill, push my grip on themandrel and then put the mandrel between the bit tip and the live center. I spin it fast and then slowly push the grip toward the spade bit until I get the desired depth. I clean it up with sand paper as needed. To hold it in, I use Rod Bond on the bottom of the marker. I then pour two-part e
Forum: rodboard