You may want to read the article first. Not sure what type of molds you're making, but this stuff has to be able to expand. ...............
Forum: rodboard

NCP does not require it, no matter if it is Gudebrod or Fishhawk. But you can use it if you like - the NCP will stay even truer to color if you do, particularly on very dark blanks. ............
Forum: rodboard

You cannot pre-order. It will not be available as a back issue for several more weeks. I have to take care of all the subscribers, first. ................
Forum: rodboard

Put it on the buy/sell page and somebody is likely to snap it up. .............
Forum: rodboard

Yes. .................
Forum: rodboard

They are 2-part epoxies, but have a thicker consistency so they stay where you put them - they don't tend to seep out of joints. Mix them on a piece of cardboard or ceramic tile by folding and blending the 2 parts (you can just eyeball them - there is some margin for error). When you confine your epoxy mix in a small area such as a plastic cup, where heat cannot readily escape, and then really
Forum: rodboard

Permit me to disagree - snake guides aren't used because they're "better." They are simply far less expensive and yet work well enough. They are also what the consumer expects to see on a fly rod. When they were first developed, they were laughed at because they weren't the traditional "ring and clasp" type fly rod guide. Snake guides aren't anywhere near "hundreds of yea
Forum: rodboard

Still not quite sure what "rubbing" is. Once a guide is wrapped and finished, it shouldn't rub or move. And if the bottom is smooth and flat, it wouldn't matter anyway. ...........
Forum: rodboard

The first thing I'd do is to switch to a gel type epoxy like Quick Bond or Ultimate Gel. They're easier to work with. Nothing wrong with the Flex Coat glue, however, you may be over mixing it and thus creating more exothermic heat in the process, which then speeds up the set time even more. The adhesives are not quite as critical as the finishes - you needn't mix it for 3 minutes, More like
Forum: rodboard

That's a very good illustration for what action is - many catalogs and websites show the same blank, deflected to varying degrees but all possessing the identical action. .................
Forum: rodboard

I think you'll prefer making the grips off the rod and installing them. Too much mess and too much room for error trying to make it right on the rod. And the foam is tenacious - get it all over your rod blank and you won't likely get it off without ruining the blank finish. How hard something is to hold onto has little to do with a gloss finish and everything to do with how its shaped. Check t
Forum: rodboard

The advertising and marketing people have so badly skewed the term that most fishermen who discuss "action" are likely talking about a dozen different things. Many, if not most casting and spinning guys, think of action as being power or stiffness (I want a rod with a "light" action). Fly fishermen tend to talk of action as being how quickly or slowly a rod reacts and recover
Forum: rodboard

Your experience is highly contrary to what most have experienced. Both Dave and Billy Vivona, a dealer for the product, are generally quite happy to help customers who may have problems. After selling the product for several years now, VisualWrap would not be as popular as it is if support were not available. I wonder what computer system and OS you may be running. The Windows OS isn't always
Forum: rodboard

And, if you pick up some thread, winding checks or other small items, I'll bet they'll ride on that same $5. This is the key to reducing your shipping charges no matter who you're buying from - look down the road at what you may be needing next month or two and order those extra items at the same time. ............
Forum: rodboard

I think it's a great resource. All blank suppliers should list a recommended starting point for placement and guide sizes primarily to help out those new builders who are just getting started and would like a little help that first or second time out. ...............
Forum: rodboard

I build on the straightest axis. .................
Forum: rodboard

They look smooth, but if you run your fingernail across the blade edges you can feel minute serrations. I just tried it on some 50lb Power Pro braid - the scissors cut it like butter. I know they'll cut deer hair nicely. I've been doing that for a decade or more with mine. ...........
Forum: rodboard

It must be something on your end because I get 10 to 15 new subscriptions each and every day. I'm guessing it works for most. There are some older browsers that may not be compatible with it, however. Not sure what you're using. You can print out the subscription sheet and mail it with a check to: RodMaker, PO Box 1322, High Point, NC 27261. The turn around time is pretty quick, usually.
Forum: rodboard

It would be impossible to include NGC specs without knowing what reel is being used and where that reel is located on the rod. The NGC system relies on knowledge and availability of the specific reel being used. The NGC automatically gives you the specs once you locate the choker guide and plot the line path. .................
Forum: rodboard

It has a slight eggshell appearance but it's not a matte type finish by any means. It's crystal clear, like water, and very bright and shiny. ................
Forum: rodboard

I read the number wrong - Chuck's number is correct, just be sure to get the NCP version if you want a perfect match. ............
Forum: rodboard

Dust isn't a problem if you know how to control it - check past issues of RodMaker for the scoop on how to rid yourself of dust troubles even while using the same lathe and same room for turning and wrapping/finishing chores. ....... The Renzetti is made mostly of aluminum and therefore doesn't have the mass necessary for real wood turning work. You can certainly turn cork and soft woods to
Forum: rodboard

Because we don't have a solid cap on the front of a spinning reel to funnel the line into the first guide. The face cap on a spin cast reel serves a certain function. And as said many times, the butt guide doesn't need a large ring necessarily. Often, the larger rings are used simply to obtain the height required. In other words, a #25 guide ring sits higher than a #20. Height is as important
Forum: rodboard

Folks, it's time once again to remind you that this is a family site. I get a lot of emails and letters from parents who tell me they don't mind their young rod building sons using this site because they know we watch our language here. Same with the rod building ladies, of which there are more than you might imagine. But every few months a few will tend to forget that for every person who post
Forum: rodboard

PermaGloss is very high gloss. It's the "shiniest" wrap finish going. I doubt it will be what you want. ............
Forum: rodboard

They are short, fine tipped scissors for close-in work. I believe Normark made these originally and they were sold by Fuji for fly tying. Either way, they're remarkable scissors. Wish they came in larger sizes. .............
Forum: rodboard

Gudebrod #330 NCP was the perfect match but I don't think they make it any longer. You can probably locate someone that has a spool, however. FishHawk #638 NCP might be the same color but on that one I'm just going by the color charts. Pacific Bay in Sky Blue NCP should be very close as well. .............
Forum: rodboard

You can't smooth out the line before the butt guide - that's what the butt guide does. The line will always leave the spinning reel spool in coils. A properly sized and placed butt guide will redirect the line from coils to straight. The subsequent guide after the butt guide finishes the job and from there the line should be totally free of such coils. This is why the NGC works so well - you d
Forum: rodboard

Up until recently, micro guides were 5's and 6's and they're certainly still around. So too, will be the 2's and 3's over time. Less weight, particularly on fly rods, equals a much more efficient rod. The criteria regarding guide size hasn't changed - use the smallest guides that will still easily pass your line and required connections. What you're going to have to do is tape up a set a
Forum: rodboard

I bought a pair of these some time ago. They're really pretty spectacular. I didn't realize that they were still available. All fly tyers should have a pair. ..............
Forum: rodboard