Early on with my abalone experimentation, I used a piece I had that had no backing - All you need is a good quality double sided tape. On that rod, I marked and cut my abalone, then applied the double stick tape to the back of the shell, and allowed it to sit overnight so the glue could bond to the shell. After that I tried both vineagar and crack and wrap methods. To this day I prefer the
Forum: rodboard

I've built 2 wireline/planer rods for my own use - 1 with a seeker stubbie 50 and all bigfoot rollers, aftco swivel tip the second is a seeker stubbie 80 with 3 SIC Turbo Guides and an aftco swivel tip I find that I use the roller rod more for high speed trolling, and the Turbo rod more for planer functions. The turbos seem to be better for windon applications (bridled Planer)
Forum: rodboard

I use blue colored nitrile/latex gloves. If they get epoxy on them, it clearly shows...
Forum: rodboard

I have made shafts for canoe and Kayak paddles that way for a long time - but there is usually no taper involved, so using standard steel pipe is no issue there. I was just hoping to find something already made. Thanks Again
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Tom - Actually looking to make gaff blanks - the large tip opening is to support the gaff head. I've looked to a couple of machine shops, and you are correct - the price is staggering.
Forum: rodboard

Does anyone know where I can get tapered steel rods to use as the internal mold? I'm looking for 6' - 7' (or longer) with a taper from approx 1" to .3" for some custom stuff I'd like to try.
Forum: rodboard