I saw a Tennessee Handle handle that was made out of something that look like graphite. The person want a UL rod using this type of handle. It was on a custon rod made a few year ago and the person who made the rod for him is no longer with us. Any Ideas what this maybe?
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As many of you have noticed, the latest edition of Rodmaker magazine contains a brief announcement that I am starting a new organization called Rod Builders International (RBI). I have received some very encouraging email from those who receive their copies of Rodmaker earlier than I do and I would like to thank everyone for their comments. Since we've let the cat out of the bag, it seems li
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I spoke with the folks at the Radisson Hotel this morning. Only a handful of rooms are left at the hotel for the show dates. If you want to stay directly across the street from the hotel, don't wait - another couple weeks (or less) and you'll be out of luck. There are additional hotels within walking distance of the Showplace facility. Two are within 3 or 4 blocks. You can find more infor
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I just went back in the archives and saw some posts on a cork drilling jig that Tom made. Since I can't get a copy of Volume 1 of rodmaker does any one have plans for this jig or how can I get some plans. Thanks Scott
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Hey guys I am getting ready to glue up my 1st Cork grip. I got some Titebond III. How much should I apply and do I apply it to both surfaces? Thanks Scott
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I just saw the post titled "Bug Inlay" and Bruce was not able to get a reply from me. I have been VERY busy and I apolgize for that. I try to respond to all emails in a timely fashion, but at times, like now, I am busy..............Sorry about that. Here are a few pointers in the form of an email I sent to Bruce Bruce, sorry it took so long. Hope this helps....... Hi Bruce.
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I have recently turned up my first wood handle and have properly fit it to the blank. Was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions on the preservation of the handle. Was thinking of using epoxy would that be a possibility or is there a better means of going about it. Thanks Adam
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Wow...looks like I'm the lone female here. :) Maybe you guys can give me some opinion...after tediously building a fly rod last year for my dad, learning as I went, I've discovered the extremely satisfying art of fly rod building. I've now graduated to shaping my own handles, and wonder if I should use a cork sealant. Seems some builders love it, and some hate it...as you can imagine, I'm a bi
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I am working on my first fly rod for my brother in ny...I am not an avid flyfisherman...I got a nice handcrafted handlemade thanks to a recent issue of RM that detailed this quite nicely. The reel seat is on there too....Only problem is these wire guides I cant seem to figure out if there is an upside down or rightside up. Does it matter? Is there a front and a back to them? Thanks,
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Volume 9 issue 3 of Rod Maker has an article in Q&A section about sealing wood handles with "Super Glue." ""Exotic Wood Finishing"" I'm assuming anyone with the intellect to build a custom rod would know NEVER use this glue in this quantity in a closed room, adequate ventilation is never adequate with this glue. (it would mean outside the building).........
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I am starting to do some lathe work. The section I want to do will have both cork and wood with transition rings between the wood and cork or in this case burl. In the past I have always lathed out the wood by itself and put finish on it first (two part thread finish) and than attached both the wood and cork to the blank, than shaped my cork to where I wanted it. I did it this way only beca
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Judging by the post below "Closeouts" - there are heaps of people interested in closeouts - nearly twice as many people have read the post when compared to other posts - FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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I was looking at the photos of wood handles and Russ Miller has a super curly maple handle reel seat combo that is very bright. Russ or any one else know what sort of finish would be waterproof and still remain bright and not dark and or yellowish.? Cheers Ron
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Hey guys, I've ssen some photos of fly/spey rods with "feather inlays" on the cork grip itself. Could someone explain to me this process. I'm guessing that they are applied with something like cork seal or the such. Are thee "inlays" durable. or are they a waste of time? I think they look neat, just not sure how durable they could be. I'd hate to think that u would hav
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Ok, I just got a "gift" from a friend - old rod, I believe the blank is tubular steel - but not positive. The handle is wood, with some nice knurling to it - a very unique looking rod, I'm sure it is a musky rod from way back when (I'm in Wisconsin, old musky rods are common) However, this one is very unique in appearance. I'm looking for suggestions/comments on how to restore this r
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I'm finishing a dark handle and I can't seem to be able to keep the dust off while it drys. I am useing Tru-oil and the last coat has a little bit of dust particals in it, so what should I do to get this out? I have already put 5 coats on and steel wooled them down but for the life of me I can't seem to get this handle clear. I have Andy Dears buffing wheels and I have done other handles with out
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I noticed PSI had blanks of bowling ball material sized at 1" round and 7" long, perfect I thought for a handle. I tried their crimson pearl, bored it , cut it and shaped it to my liking, but its not polishing with 400 grit which is the finest I have at the moment. Anyone have experience with this stuff? If I get some 600 grit will that do, or do I need to get even finer grit?
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I finished wrapping my second rod, a Dan Craft 9' 6wt FT, wraps looked beautiful, and I thought I was ready to go. So I mixed up a batch of Flex Coat Lite, coated, and wiped off. The first I put on heavy to soak up the threads and then I wipe as much off as possible, then add a second coat on day two. Worked like a dream on my first rod. However I knew immediately something was wrong. It loo
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I was wondering if anyone has tried using the finishes we use for thread as a casting resin? I have alot of old brown finish I was thinking of coloring and casting for inserts, checks, and trim bands...any thoughts?
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Was hoping to get some advice from the board- I turned a wood handle for a light spinning rod and have put a single coat of tru-oil on it. I've now decided I would like to finish it with Flex Coat Lite to make it a bit more durable. I am concerned that the flex coat will not set propoerly over the tru-oil. Any opinions on this? I like the handle and would hate to ruin it. Thanks!
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I know we harm feel or sensitivity when we add to much weight in components. Emory Harry\'s article showed some of that I think. But what about things we can add that will actually make a rod more sensitive than it was in blank form. Is this possible? Also from an earlier discussion on the BFHM, do some blanks have tricks or designs to enhance sensitivity? Can fibers be placed to transfer mo
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Has anyone out there tried scorching cork and using it as a rod handle? How'd it hold up? I ask because late last night I had a mishap with the torch and a handle on a little 2wt. I figured 'hey, what the heck?' and torched a bunch of the rest of it-- making a light marbled pattern over the handle. It looks really good but I wonder as to the long-term durability. For what it's worth, I more
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Hi All, A couple of days ago I saw a post that mentioned Global Rods and now there is a picture of pens posted by Putter with a decal that says Global Rods. Can someone tell me what this Global Rods is? Thanks
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I'M LOOKING TO BUILD A SMALL FLY SPIN ROD. MAYBE 6'6" TO 7' 4 OR 5WT. I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF YOU GUYS HAVE TO BUILT ONE? I LOOKING TO USE IT FOR TROUT, SUNFISH, AND CRAPPIE. I CURIOUS AS TO WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST LENTH AND WEIGHT PLUS THE TYPE OF GUIDES TO USE?I'M GOING TO USE A TENN HANDLE AND PROBOBLY A IM7 ROD, BUT I'M OPEN FOR SUGGESTIONS. SO FEEL FREE TO DROP YOUR 2 CENTS. THANKS,
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This morning's mail brought another door prize for the RodMaker Reception at the National Rod Builders Show - a laser light rod/kit from Wylie Wiggins. It included the handle and blank (assembled) and only needs guides wrapped and finished. A rather unique item if I do say so. Everyone is welcome to take a look at it during the reception. One more thing worth mentioning, I think, is that no
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I have thought about this a few times before... but after recieving cork rings from 2 different suppliers in the last week... both advertised as "premium flor grade" (when it should have been advertised as "lathe practice material" instead) and priced pretty high, and both sets were substandard IMO. The basswood handle post from this evening intrigued me since I'm a longtime
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Two quick questions. Is red wood an acceptable handle material? And if not why not? Sorry, I mean 3 questions. Where would a person begin to look for aluminum tubing to do an over sleeve. Thank you, Ken Blevins
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I've added a few more door prizes to the list and will continue to update as more "loot" comes in. Keep an eye on the show website for future updates - I'll have more to add this coming week. I do want to explain why I prefer to just give these items away via door prizes. Some of you have mentioned that you thought it would be nice to raffle items off and then give the money to cha
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I am refurbishing some old bamboo rods and would like to keep the original grips, which are in pretty bad shape and was wondering if anyone has ever applied cork sheet material, say 1/2" thick to a grip. The cork on the old grips seems to be very thin with shaped hardwood underneath. Thought was to sand it smooth and then glue natural cork sheet over the top. Any pearls of wisdom woul
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is it common practice to epoxy the cork handles ?? I did one last year and kinda like the way it feels but I didn't know if it would cause me a problem down the road .I see in the photos that several have been done like this. Pro's and con's. Thanks Ken Blevins
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