Have any of you used the cork yoga blocks to make a whole grip? I've seen it used here as inlays and such but never a whole grip. My concern is whether or not it will hold up as a whole grip. I have one cut up in 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 strips ready to turn. Thanks, Scott
Forum: rodboard

Here is a great article from the library. Also, remember when applying to long sections such as decals, make lengthwise strokes with your brush without the rod turning for a smoother finish.
Forum: rodboard

I've only used the Batsons so far with no issues. I just received a set of the AMTAK NBRLMG's from Lance at Swampland and I'm impressed so far. The foot is longer and I like the finish better (but they cost more). It will add approximately $12 to the cost of a rod. I'm going to order the Fuji BLAG's next for comparison. Like Justin said, stick with a braced top such as the BMCAT. I have
Forum: rodboard

Like Chuck said, don't wrap it around your fingers. I use a piece of 50# braid tied to 2 flat washers.
Forum: rodboard

I like to glue the bored rings together first and ream to fit. Then glue on the butt. I then slide it on my mandrel and shim with masking tape to fit. Slide it on until it bottoms out on the mandrel.
Forum: rodboard

After I saw this post, I stopped in at Academy Sports and bought one, $12.99. Looks like I could get at least a dozen split grips out of this one block if it holds up okay. I really like the feel of the block so far although I haven't cut it up yet.
Forum: rodboard

Lets see. 6'8" Medium - Moderate for Pop-R's 6'6" MH for Zoom Super Flukes 6'6" Medium - Moderate for Pointer 78's 7'0" Heavy - Fast for Ribbets and Rage Toads/Shad 7'-0" Heavy - Fast for Big Brush Hogs Usually, there is about 8 stacked on the deck but I hardly use them more than two casts. I could probably put all the tackle I use in a coffee can also.
Forum: rodboard

I think you talking about fisheyes. Sounds like contamination from oil or silcone. I let my decals dry thoroughly after printing, then after spraying before applying the decal. I only touch the ends that will be covered with thread when applying the decal. I use long lengthwise strokes to apply the epoxy. Sometimes, as the epoxy is setting up, I dab a drop or two on the fisheye and it will
Forum: rodboard

I knew I would upset some people with my post but I do not know what else to attribute this to. Alex - Have you compared your cast with a standard rod or are you just stating the distance your casting? I am throwing a Zoom Super Fluke (white) and a 4/0 Mustad EWG with no swivel ( not sure of actual weight) with a Shimano Chronach 100 (the old pearl ones) on a 6'-6" MH rod with a 6-5-
Forum: rodboard

I built a rod with 3s which I was going to use for weightless soft jerkbaits. Using 15# P-line CXX, I can not cast near the distance I can with a "standard" guide setup. I believe the micro's add to much "drag" against the line. With heavier lures I can't tell a difference. I also have two identical 7' heavy rods for frogs, one rebuilt with #4's and one standard guides
Forum: rodboard

Hmmm.... I did that on one also. I epoxied the "nick" with rodbond and used a Fuji ECSM seat that covered it back up. This was one of my personal rods though and not a customers. I've handled several 5 and 6 lb hybrids with so far and it has held up fine.
Forum: rodboard

If you don't mind me asking, how did you mess the crucial up?
Forum: rodboard

What I have done in the past with clear waterslide media is paint the area with silver rattle can paint.
Forum: rodboard

Although I am no expert, I usually put down one heavy coat and have never had any issue. I've got the craft store type also.
Forum: rodboard

ed barron Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > i agree with mike about the streching but along > the lines of what scott said i have colored epoxy > gold and made epoxy ramps before with great > results I didn't think about that but that's a great idea since you are marbling anyways. Here is a post that I've bookmarked on ramps. I've t
Forum: rodboard

Have you thought about making epoxy ramps and wrapping gold thread over that?
Forum: rodboard

Go ahead and build on those blanks. You only have $25 in each and you can always rebuild it later after building a few more. I don't have many under my belt but the hardest part to me is getting the finish perfect. I always seem to have issues with tag ends no matter how close I trim. I always have to shave them after the first coat. I'm using high build but usually end up having to apply mu
Forum: rodboard

I've used Thompson's and haven't had any problems yet.
Forum: rodboard

thanks Chuck.
Forum: rodboard

matthew jacobs Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The blue on top will (I think) be the predominate > colr where as the black/white on the bottom will > (again I think) give it the definition. Thats the way I understood it also. I posted a couple of weeks ago when doing my first tiger because it was very dark although a semi-dark was what i was shoot
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for all the input. I've read the articles and looked at a bunch of pictures but never found exactly the color combination I was looking for. The look I want may not even exist. I want the dark subtle look but this is too subtle. I like the look that I have except that it is a little too dark and I would like the red to show more but not to the extent the red metallic top wrap would giv
Forum: rodboard

My guide wraps are black with met red trim bands and I would like my tiger to be dark, just not as dark as it is turning out (if that makes sense). So, is there any color combinations to make a successful metallic red and black tiger wrap to match this? From the pictures I've seen, red with white base and black top layer is too light for this rod. I was thinking more space between the top thre
Forum: rodboard

I am working on my first tiger wrap. For the base layer I used red metallic with black nylon and then covered with 2 coats of TM high build. For the top layer I wrapped with the same black nylon. The color is a little darker than I would like after pulling the "single" sacrifical thread but the holo effect can still be seen. My question is, if I re-wrap the top layer and use 2 s
Forum: rodboard

Russell Brunt Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Okay, sorry for such a stupid question. But > seriously, is it best to pay for a class? Can one > get by reading some books? I can handle wrapping > guides but don't have a clue on diamond wraps and > such. > > Mudhole offered a class in Fort Lauderdale but it > was sold out by the
Forum: rodboard

That makes sense. My mind was focused on the reel seat and not the blank. Thanks
Forum: rodboard

Les, What do you mean when you say "My problem is forgetting to leave the window un-sanded.." I'm a newbie myself so please excuse my ignorance. I just finished my first build and like you added the arbor after I placed the seat. Thanks Scott
Forum: rodboard

Nathan, I too am working on my first rod which is also a 6-6 MH which I am stripping. I would also like to extend it to 6-9. How did you go about extending the blank? I found some old broken butt pieces on @#$%& that might be good for this??
Forum: rodboard