What are the advantages / disadvantages of the different foam densities? Can 6# be made by mixing 4# & 8#?
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I usually match micro guides to a fuji micro top. They have a broad range of tube sizes with 4.5 rings
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I'd use the 7'6" blank and squeeze another 2" out of it by gluing a butt cap insert into the end
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The epoxy won't stay put and if it did there would be a obvious edge. Depending on the severity of the uneveness and thickness of the epoxy adding another coat could cure or exacerbate the problem. I'd try recoating keeping a close eye and adding/subtracting some finish as it starts to set. If that doesn't work strip and redo. All this is based on the assumption that the lifted label edge looks
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I have an EVA grip mounted and the butt got a crease in it. I think from the drier chuck, but that's beside the point now. My question: will gentle heat or steam bring the EVA back to shape? Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks
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Has anyone ever experienced a blank getting weaker or softer over time? I saw a discussion online whith a few anglers swearing they'ver had to retire rods that were "worn out" . Unless they're subjected to heat damage or something it's hard for me to fathom.
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I just finished a budget build using Minimma4 Match (high frame) transition guides (20, 10, 5 if I remember right) and size 5 runners. The whole set is so cheap keeping a set for layout is well worth it.
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Blank manufacturers make recomemndations but like rod ratings, it's all subjective. One of the best things about a custom rod is figuring out for yourself what blanks perform in certain conditions and opinions will vary. A majority of my personal fishing time is spent on R&D experimenting with different components and build techniques to see what I feel works and doesn't so I can make the bes
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I've had good results building spinning rods from fast action fly blanks, but my preference would be one of the steelhead blanks from CTS, Rainshadow or MHX etc
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You can probably get away with a size 6 in Torzite or an 8. I'd tie a test knot and see how it looks and feels with different guide sizes before settling on one. I've use the Torzite guides on a few jig/plastic bass rods and the are nice where you can use the smallest lightest guide you can. I'm not sure the cost/benefit is there for a build like yours. I'd lean toward Alconites here.
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I've come across this reel in the box with the papers. I'm not into antique / vintage tackle enough to know if it's worth anything or not. Anyone with insight or a contact that may know more about it please let me know. Thanks
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My basic bass rod uses double foot 6, sigle foot KB/KT 4.5.......... Depending on what you use for a connecting knot, you may be more comfortable stepping up to 5 or 5.5 runners & top
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Shouldn't be a problem. If it were me, I'd tie on a Fuji Belly guide. The wide foot should be a good fit on the 9 tip. It's not going anywhere.
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I use running guides as tops on center pin reels regularly with no problem. You can try splitting the tube of a guide and wrapping over it. Tom's idea of a double foot guide sounds interesting especially on a heavy rod.
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I've been using 16H / 8H / 5.5H / 5.5j.......... for braid and 20H / 10H ...... for light mono both on a 3000 or smaller reel. I use the Microwave set as well with good results and they're a no- brainer setup.
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The fore grip is the important one imo. I make them a little larger diameter than other rods so my pinky hits the spool rim correctly. The rear grip doesn't do much of anything other than get tucked under an arm. I went so far as to split a grip on one just for something different. I did a decal and epoxy to add a little weight back on to not aggravate the tip heaviness.
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I have yet to make it to one of these. Hopefully 2016 will be the first of many.
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I find myself usually trimming off 3-4 threads which leaves 1 full thread at the end. Of course seats & reels vary
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I as well would stick with a fast action but maybe step the power down so the rod loads more easily. If the rod doesn't load well you may find yourself forcing casts which can be inaccurate and noisy.
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That makes sense. I'm trying hard to incorporate CCS into my building and couldn't make this work. Thanks again.
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Tom, thank you for your response. In your opinion, is 1.5 & .8 times the average lure weight a reasonable range? Is the CCS formula off somehow? This is how I applied it in this case: 4.9 ERN = 40 Cents (40x1.5)-20=Grains 60-20=40 grains 40x.0022857=.092oz as a top end lure weight. I know this is wrong but not seeing why.
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I'm usually pretty good with math, but I'm missing something when trying to use the CCS formula to calculate lure casting weight range. For example, on a blank with and ERN of 4.9 (40 cents) , I came up with a lure weight range of .03-.09 oz. My expectation was to see something around .25 oz using the old fly line weight / 16 method. Any help here is greatly appreciated.
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I've always liked high-performance stuff and found that top end equipment made my hobbies even more enjoyable. Looking into what was marketed across the counter as "technique specific" I found often meant, relabeled and over priced. Already being a reel-tech, and mechanically inclined, I started designing and building my own rods and now offer them as part of my business.
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This why I'm really digging into the CCS System and starting to collect data and label rods.
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Do any of these finishes add significantly to the grip diameter? Say, to the point that you compensate by sanding down a little extra prior?
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Does anyone know who makes Cabela's fly rods? Specifically , a Stoaway 6 3wt.. I have someone asking for a replacement section. Probably a long shot, I know.
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I think a lot of this depends on how you are fishing (float, bottom bouncing...) Braid handles well and floats, but in general is not very abrasion resistant. On bass spinning tackle I like the manageability and casting distance of braid but tie on a fluoro leader where necessary. Braid doesn't work well in freezing temps but can work well early and in the spring. Among braids I use Power Pro wit
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How do you feel the MHX HM models compare to the Batson RX8 & Loomis IMX?
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Will a walnut handle tolerate boiling to remove it from the blank?
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I've used them for budget builds and they are fine. Nice thing is available colors.
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