Josh, I use my cordless drill with a drill bit close to the size of the butt of the blanks diameter. I run the drill on reverse. Mike
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1.) Welcome to the addiction 2.) you are probably going to deep six the rest of your factory wraps when you start building. Next time take the reels off first. It will cut down on your replacement costs. 3.) Remember to take time off from building to fish..... 4.) Good luck in your building endevour, check out the FAQ button on the top of this page, it will help alot with some of
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Check out the handle and grip section of the photos on this board. there are some very nice wooden handles to give you some ideas of what is possible. Mike
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I was just talking to someone today about the same thing. I was thinking more on the line of using glow in the dark PVC shrink tubing. as an under wrap. More of a cosmetic thing.
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My last several orders have come in a triangle box, with stiffners on the edges. No problems.
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metallic blue or metallic aquamarine
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Ok gang! LOL! The guy is claiming he had the reel stem between his ring and middle finger......he actually said that on his first cast the line hit his fingers, but he caught a fish, so he didn't pay attention. The next several casts, he said the line was coming off the reel catching his fingers and cutting them..... Ok.. that being said. I am going to have to do some more digging into
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I built a 7' spinning rod for a buddy of mine. He has it spooled up with 14# florocarban. He took it out to use it for the first time this weekend and said the line is slapping his fingers on the cast. The line is not slapping during the retrieve, only the cast. I used an AmTak HLGSF30 as my first guide. I don't remember my spacing off the top of my head. would the line slapping on the ca
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You can use the double foot guides. Double foot guides is more of a traditional look. The only difference between the two is going to be the added weight of the additional wraps for the double foot guides. The added weight will effect the action of the blank a little, but not enough to really matter. The ring on the size 3 and 4 would be the same on the double foots. Mike
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tan with just about any color trim wrap.
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I use small rubber bands. Mike
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I usually do my decorative wrap first. But I could be doing it wrong..
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is this the one you are talking about?? The green is Madeira 1950 and the yellow is 1995 The yellow turns almost chartruse if wrapped over a dark blank. Good luck! Mike
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I'm getting ready to start a couple of fly rods for a wedding present. I was thinking about inlaying some small jewels close to the grip. What is the best method to inlay stones. Permaglos, epoxy... Once epoxy is applied and cured I'm not worried, but how do get them to stay till epoxy is cured. Thanks, Mike
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This is a one I built on a 5'6" Mudhole blank for my son. Nice little blank. Mike
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Check out Mudhole's Custom Rod Builder blanks ISL561L. Nice blanks and even better price. Mike
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You'll only have to kill one of the two. they learn real quick.......
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Steve, I'm not addicted, I stop to eat and shower every once in a while, after my wife yells at me!! Mike
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Jerry, Unhide your email or send me an email. I can scan the layout, and email it to you. Mike
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I came across this in the photo gallery awhile ago. As a veteran myself this was one of the best memorial rods I have seen. Just an idea if you can't find a decal. Good luck, Mike
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If a super braid is going to be used on a bass rod what type of rings should I use. The braid would be a 20# braid used to toss jigs into heavy cover. The rod will be built on a 7' MH fast action blank. The rod may be used to throw the occasional swim bait also. Thanks, Mike
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See the link below. Go all the way to the bottom you will see a Guide Spacing link. Start there, tweek and move as you see fit with a static test and test casting. Or check the website of the manufacturer. I know Batson & St. Croix have recomendations. Mike
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I've got a Pac Bay I believe it is 9rpm. Works well for me. Opinions on this are going to vary depending on the builder. What works for me may not work for you.
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1. masking tape, razor blade, something to burnish with(fingernail may work), something to mix epoxy in and with, something to apply epoxy with ( I use the cheap brushes, many other options too) 2. Look at any of the sponsors on the left, Acid Rod and Mudhole will have just about anything you should need. Check out their specials and complete guide sets. 3. Use a hair dryer Don't apply
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remove the tape.
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Steve, Keep at it. You will find you will get better with every rod and wrap. Just keep going and keep asking questions! Mike
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I've been building about 8 months
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Steve, I know what you are doing....I learned by listening to Billy. Basically what my problem was, I was putting too much tension on the spider portion of the wrap. Trying to pull every thing tight with the spider. Instead listen to what Billy was saying under my comments. On my next wrap not a spider(half a spider) but an abstract "neon wrap" I did. (link below) I didn't pul
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Steve, Check out the picture posted below. If you zoom in you will see, what I believe, is what you are talking about. Then read the comments below. The photo was of my first spider done recently. Also the comments and help Billy gave helped greatly on my next wrap. Hope it helps. Mike
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Take a look at the Batson Rainshadow line of blanks. I built an 8wgt for my brother this last fall, for steelhead. He loves it. Great prices too.
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