Tom got that right, minimize the sizes ( to keep weight down). I don't use #1's because they seem to catch joints in fly fines, especially if you are using loop to loop connection with Skagit or Scandi heads. I save my #1's for bamboo or really lightweight rods 2 & 3 wts. Good luck with that build. Larry
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Thank you all for the up date. My supply of Gudebrod ran out a years ago and now Fish hawk seems to be gone also. I really like their variegated thread color combinations. Fuji and Prowrap seems to be the go to threads now. Larry
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I have been fully retired and out of the game for a few years now and just started to build some rods for sons- in-laws and grand kids. I notice a large number of poly threads in lieu of nylon. Is the strength of the poly today as good as the nylon thread? Use to be nylon was stronger. Also I see a lot of builders building with straight metallic thread. Same questions as above. Is
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For grinding guides
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I shave pieces of glue and place them into the tip top, then heat the tip top and while it is still hot attach it to the rod. A bit 'annul' but it works for me and the tip top never gets flamed! One little tube of tip top glue has been with me forever. Larry
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A fine grit cone shaped grinding wheel in a dremel will work on the metal WC. Gotta go slow as it will get hot....and fling itself into space. If you can fine those grit embedded rubber cone wheels they work really well. I wear an old welding glove to hold the check. Larry
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Go with a good pair of wading boots w/cleats. (Frogg Toggs ..$30-$50.. on the low end will do you well...you can add cleats) I tried the wading shoes for a number of years (Thank you Lord, that it was when I was a youngster) and busted my B-hind a number of times. After looking up at the blue sky one day I told myself," One of these days I won't be able to get back up on my own." -
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Delta midi lathe (Delta 46-455) with nova chuck
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May he "REST IN PEACE." I will miss doing business with him.
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Furled leaders are great. They make one's presentation a whole lot better, even if you are a klutz at fly fishing. (Mwah). I make my own using various material mono, fluorocarbon and braided fishing line. I did at one time use fly tying thread but it adds additional issues I didn't want to deal with. I think #6 braided line makes the best. But that's my opinion. Larry
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I saw Mark Crouse demonstrate how he makes his rod tubes at the EXPO...it takes additional time in lieu of buying them but if you got some skill I would go that route. Nothing like a custom rod with a custom rod tube...that 's what it is about ! Larry
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Bought these from amazon: Small Parts 329 Silicone O-Ring, 70A Durometer, Red, 2" ID, 2-3/8" OD, 3/16" Width (Pack of 5) @ $9.11 329 Neoprene O-Ring, 70A Durometer, Round, Black, 2" ID, 2-3/8" OD, 3/16" Width (Pack of 25) @ $4.69 The silicone and the neo are running on a number of drying motors for the last 2 years. So far no different between the two. I s
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Tony, Mud Hole is a great place, but if you need more than one nylon o ring for your wrapper as well as the drive rings for some of those motors as I do. It can be a bit costly if you have to replace more than a few of those little o rings. Amazon sells them in bulk. . 210 Neoprene O-Ring, 70A Durometer, Round, Black, 3/4" ID, 1" OD, 1/8" Width (Pack of 100) -$12.50 329 N
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I owned a cheap Chinese version a few years ago... but after numerous trials and errors realized that most blanks are not straight so why am I trying to align the guides with a laser? Duh! Receive one as a prize at the Expo a year or two ago. I still got it, never used it.
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May he rest in peace.
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I believe they are no longer in business. Personally I thought they were underrated rod blanks. I built a number of them and have had nothing but praise from the new owners. I have 2 or 3 myself and wish they were still around. PacBay makes a very similar rod blank (same wt and length). Wouldn't be surprised if they came from the same origins. But...my opinion only. Larry H&H Custom
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Feather inlay demo...I second that request. Less than happy with my technique.
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"...metal paint can with a dispensing screw in the bottom ..."is the way to go for PermaGloss. I've had my can for over 4 years now and only refill when needed. I bought my can from Mickels Custom Rods a while ago at the Expo. At one time Trondak U-40 was selling them with the 'dispensing screw and an indent marked on the can.' Mine is stored at room temperature. I just used some this
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Phil, Has the ticket. The elastic thread from the sewing stores will last quie a long time and it's pretty cheap. I just use a clove hitch in lieu of a square knot, but it really makes no difference what knot you use. I reuse mine so I don't cut them. A flick between the clove-hitch 'cross' and it drops away.
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I have used a number of the Fly Logic blanks. They build out to be good rods somewhere in the Med-Med/Fast range. I mostly use their 2 piece 9ft 6/7 FL fxIV and fxIII rod blanks. They are heavier than most but build out nicely. I still use them and still have some stock still on hand. I like the 2 piece version and their 3 piece version of the 6/7wt. Larry
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My table saw, band saw, jointer, dust system, belt/disc sander, milling machine and a host of other toolsl are from Grizzly...only my lathe and drill press are from another company ...and were at no cost to me....so, just an opinion. Larry
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I use a Dry Eraser Marker. It wipes away with a q-tip on the unfished blanks and with your finger on the hi-gloss finihsed blanks. Larry
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I agree with Phil E. Epoxy is too soft for grips...I just stick with Tru-oil and have not had a problem so far. Larry
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Glenn, Not quite sure what you are trying to doing, but if you are refering to the thread epoxy over your guides/threads, on top of a Spar-varnish coated bamboo rod. I do that at times and have never found any problems. Most of the time I stick with all spar-varnish, but occassionally when pressed for time I use epoxy to do the threads, then coat the entire rod with spar. I would ventu
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Opti-visor here also with a very bright reading light I have had since college. Bulbs are very bright but were hard to find but I found a source and stocked up. They only last about 200hrs. Larry
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Mike, Thank you for the 'eyes-on' explanation of the Carbon fiber handle process. I think I got the process down now. Let’s see some 'subdued/flat' colors (OD-green, browns, tans). Might entice some of those old fashion Bamboo guys to try them out. I'm already looking at pigments to experiment with. Thanks again. Larry
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Won some Rod Dancer epoxy,... to do that St. Croix rod I won a few years back at the reception. Maybe next year I'll win the components! It also looked like there was alot of double teaming on the wins this year.(Husband and wife?). My wife and I saw a row of about 5 people all sitting together that all won something. The key to winning seemd to be in the groups of people.LOL A great show.
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