Yeah Tony, I know what you mean. The only time I use cork tape anymore is under the Rod Armor, or Quick grip.
Forum: rodboard

On a 5' UL I personally wouldn't have a rear grip longer than five or six inches, and wouldn't consider a split grip......that's just my preference.
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If it were me I'd take off the old tape, install new cork tape, then the Rod Armor. Why mess around trying fill in the low spots.
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One of mine runs both ways.....if I don't like the way it's rotating I flip the switch a couple of times and it rotates in the other direction. I can also grab the chuck while it's turning and it will reverse directions.
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St. Croix made a ton of rods with graphite butts/fiberglass uppers. The Pics that I just posted are that type of rod. The bottom 1/3 is graphite and the rest is fiberglass. It has a real nice feel to it.
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Why go to all that trouble.......I just make mine out of thread....apply epoxy.....done! No shaping, coloring, sanding, and alot less trouble.
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Surf fishing in Hatteras is my favorite pastime, so I'll tell you what I use/like. I have a 12' G-Loomis 1448 rated up to 14 oz's. I also have a Cascade 12' 6" 1509 that I trimmed to 12'. The Cascade blanks are no longer available, but the Rainshadows are just like them. The two rods cast very similar, but I like the Loomis better......It's hard to describe why, it just feels better when y
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I prefer to use a hacksaw with a fine tooth blade. I'll take a spiral cut just barely through the seat, then pry it apart. The cutting wheel is probably faster, but one slip, and you're into the blank. I like the positive control of the hacksaw better.
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I just did a "Google" search on Dale Clemens and found several places selling the book. Most were used, in very good condition. The cheapest price was $75.00. Good hunting!
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I usually apply two to three coats of FC.......probably could get by with one coat if I had a four rod drier. Jesse?
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Jesse forgot to mention that the only time I would use a four rod drier is when I'm wrapping rods for him.
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Bill, I'll do that as soon as I finish the four rods I'm currently wrapping for him as payment on my last barter.
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Jesse has already seen my work. I'm trying to get more $$$ for wrapping rods, and some of you aren't helping any. LOL. As I was leaving his shop today I told him I'd wrap 10 rods for that drier.......he was still mumbling long after I was gone. Jesse has been a BIG help to me as far as assembling and wrapping rods go, and I am grateful for that. We're still in negotiation on the number of rod
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I'd just wrap over it. Even if you get it off, the blank will probably be a shade darker or lighter underneath, and you'll have to wrap it anyway.
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They have a pic in Merrick's online catalogue.......sound like "foul-proof" spinning guides.
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I built a surf rod for my brother 2 years ago, and he had to have cermet guides (for looks mostly). They appear to hold up really well, and still look brand new.......as far as casting performance, I don't see any difference. I think maybe they are used mostly so you can say "yeah, these are gold cermets". Just my 2 cents.
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Here's a step by step using modern finish to get an old look. They also mention what Winchester used to use to finish their stocks with.
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Thanks Jesse, We have one here at work......that's what got me started on this. I went to the website and seems like they have alot of options on backgrounds/colors etc. I might have to check yours out because our guy is pretty possesive about his.
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Thanks Mike! I didn't realize the service was that quick. Guess I'll try out both ways.
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Thanks for the input. I was curious because my hand writing stinks, and while Decal Connection is great for my signature, I can't see using them every time someone want's something personal on a rod. I guess I could order some waterslide paper, or clear adhesive paper and give that a go. I'm alot better writing on something flat vice a curved blank.
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Are these any good for making rod labels/decals?
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Try this.....I just ordered some myself.
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I was hoping someone had tried it......guess I'll stick to metallics.
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I was doing some site searching on metallic threads and found a new type of thread that changes color in the sunlight. It goes from white to a certain color, or a light to darker shade of a certain color. Has anyone actually used this stuff in rod building? It would add a different dimension to trim wraps or weaves, providing that epoxy would stick to it. You could weave a striped bass that tu
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Steve, you're killing me! Guess I'll buy some smaller quantities of both and see what I like the best. P.S. Nice looking rod!!!
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Duh ! Now I see it !!! I must admit I haven't visited your site in awhile. I guess I'll put my order in and see what all the excitement is about for myself. Thanks for your replies. Bruce
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Andy, maybe I haven't come across the right site yet. The largest quantity I've seen advertised is the 12 oz. kit. Maybe you can point me in the right direction.
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I can't wait to see how this turns out.
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Thanks Mark, The finish on your rods always looks great!
Forum: rodboard

Thanks guys! The reason that I asked was I recently saw some rods coated with Aftcote, and to me The finish looked clearer. I've read all the reviews about Threadmaster, etc. and I might consider it if it was sold in greater quantities. The FC and Aftcote are really close in price (Gal. size) and thats what really prompted me to ask. That, plus I can see yellowing on some of my rods after only
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