It's possible that your mandrel isn't straight/true. ...............
Forum: rodboard

The NGC will indeed work for you with that large reel and line size. Do you plan to use a shock leader knot? If so, that will make all the difference in how small you can go with you choker and running guides. In many cases, this could limit you to nothing smaller than a 12, or even a 16. It all depends on the size of your shock leader knot. Only way to know is to go out and try it, getting sm
Forum: rodboard

Jim, If you did some actual tests, making hundreds of casts on the same blank for equal comparison, you are apt to find that there isn't any distance difference between similar sets up of ceramic versus snake guides. However, the ceramics will pay out line under pressure more smoothly, and the casts will be quieter. You'll also find your line lasts longer on the ceramic guided rod. But I've al
Forum: rodboard

In a pinch, you can build up the end of your mandrels with tape or fashion a rigid bushing to serve the same purpose. ..............
Forum: rodboard

Volume 10 #6 (foam core and basic skinning information) and Volume 11 #4 (shrink tube skin technique). ...............
Forum: rodboard

"There is a bunch of info floating around here on them but I was still unsure about the whole process." This sort of thing always puzzles me. The articles that launched this technique, even to folks like Mike at Riley Rods, appeared in RodMaker Magazine. You cannot find the same width and breadth of information on making these cores and grips on the internet as you can in those in v
Forum: rodboard

You won't see any distance increase due to a slicker guide ring surface between the two. There isn't enough pressure between the line and the ring surface to cause any major friction. If we're talking about guides that weigh roughly the same thing, and at least a reasonably smooth surface on one set of guides, having a much slicker or smoother surface on the other is not going to result in any
Forum: rodboard

The directory software is due for an upgrade. It will be done when the funds become available. Until then it is offline. ............. Tackleworks continues to function (it's for business listings and will remain the priority). Many builders do not understand the difference between the 2 directories and this has caused some problems. .............
Forum: rodboard

You can gut the middle out of any skeleton and use that as a skeleton seat. .............
Forum: rodboard

Collets are more appropriate for holding mandrels, but the more popular scroll and jaw chucks offer greater versatility. ..............
Forum: rodboard

The last photo in the article shows the seat insert turned and finished. ..................
Forum: rodboard

If you will go into the online library here, you can read the article on the New Guide Concept. Do everything it says, except to find your choker guide location multiply the spool diameter by 27 and then use that distance, from the face of the spool, to locate the choker. Everything else can be set up as the article describes. This system will give you better distance, better balance and better
Forum: rodboard

It won't be bad news, but it won't be optimum. But it will work okay. Most likely you have one of the old IM6models from the mid to late 1980's. .................
Forum: rodboard

Not your fault at all and my post wasn't aimed at you. I'm glad you brought it up, it gave me a chance to mention the idea, once again. ............
Forum: rodboard

It will set and cure correctly many years after you and I are gone. It doesn't go bad. If the resin crystalizes, just warm it in the microwave or a pan of hot water. ..................
Forum: rodboard

RodMaker Volume 10 #6 tells the whole story. You can obtain the parts and pieces from Riley Rods, a sponsor here. His link is in the left column. They have packaged the pieces in very convenient sizes and have good experience making these cores and grips. ................
Forum: rodboard

Very good. I understand. If more would do it, that would be a fitting thanks for him sharing the technique. .............
Forum: rodboard

It is still common practice on many commercially made rods. I don't like to use any sort of paint stripper on fishing rod blank, but the very mildest citrus types are okay for quickly removing the blank surface coating. None of the strippers are going to remove the hardened epoxy adhesive left in the handle and seat area. You may be faced with using a rasp to file the excess epoxy down to
Forum: rodboard

Cleaning it alone might do the trick, otherwise adding a coat of Permagloss would certainly do it. Any good, clear exterior urethane will do this. You may find it easier to spray the rod with a coat of Helmsman clear gloss Spar Urethane. ............
Forum: rodboard

It would be nice if folks would refer to it as the "Throop Tiger Wrap" in the same way that we do the "Forhan Locking Wrap." These guys won't make any money off their innovations so they might as least have their names associated with their techniques. It would be a nice gesture and if we all do it enough, it'll "stick." James, Glad it worked well for you. Tak
Forum: rodboard

There are specialty tubing suppliers which you can locate via the internet. They sell carbon fiber tubing by the foot in a wide variety of sizes and wall thicknesses. Your problem is going to be in buying a single short length like that. Don't overlook local yard sales this weekend - plenty of cheap, broken or damaged rods are sold for a few dollars each. Something there may do the job for you
Forum: rodboard

I will make up 6 more, just in case those of you who mailed checks earlier don't miss out, but that'll be about it. Thanks. Also note that on the website the CDs for individual volumes 2, 3 and 4 are listed, but they are now sold out and permanently discontinued. ................
Forum: rodboard

I have 6 of the RodMaker Limited Edition CDs left. Each CD includes Volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9. This comprises all 6 issues from each Volume. That's 48 issues, many of which are no longer available as individual hard copy back issues. I have put these last few on the RodMaker website so you can use a credit card to order. If they are sold out when you order, I will inform you and w
Forum: rodboard

All these issues, including the required weight of the ball for the particular finish viscosity and optimum cup speed and angle, were fully covered in the article. .................
Forum: rodboard

I don't think Billy understood that you didn't have a lathe. Obviously, it would be very hard to perform the technique as presented in the article without one. ...................
Forum: rodboard

No, it won't be better. Epoxy isn't really made for a top coating on items like that. Guys do it, some like it, but overall a clear urethane or some type of oil or wiping varnish are going to be better for your wood handles. If you have one that didn't turn out as you wished, and wanted to do an experiment with the epoxy on it, you'd know pretty quickly how well you liked it. ..............
Forum: rodboard

Sand into the butt, get past the paint or finish and sand a little. Look at the sanding residue. Graphite will show dark, charcoal dust. Glass will be lighter, almost white residue. .............
Forum: rodboard

You do, but if you draw the epoxy into the syringes slowly, bubbles will be minimal. It is the hand mixing, stirring, that causes most bubbles in the mix. It is brush the finish on and around that then creates even move bubbles in the finish. .................
Forum: rodboard

Bubbles will disperse more easily at warmer temperatures as the epoxy will be a thinner consistency at those higher temps. ..............
Forum: rodboard

Not really, you'll just have a little epoxy on the blank above the grip (if you don't, you're not putting your epoxy on the blank high enough). A little alcohol and some paper towels and you'll be fine. .............
Forum: rodboard