I'm thinking about purchasing my first "real" tool - a rod dryer to replace the cardboard box with V cuts in it. I got to wondering, how does one dry a casting rod with a pistol grip? Or do you put the handle on last? Enquiring minds... ==dave==
Forum: rodboard

I've decided that I'm going to get into building and repaing on a part time professional basis. I've done quite a few rods for family and friends and have recently been getting inquiries from people I don't know. I've also seen a few custom rods from individuals or small companies and feel my rods stack up very well against theirs. I guess I feel that I'm worth some money now. I love fishing
Forum: rodboard

I have been searching for a blank to build a light power, extra fast action spinning rod. I looked at three blanks from two manufacturers before I found what I was looking for. My question arises from the varying amounts of "non-straightness" I saw. As these things frequently seem to work ou, the blank I like is the least straight. All of the blanks are first quality from manufactur
Forum: rodboard

I have recently had a customer who broke a Loomis FS904X IMX Flipping Stick. It would appear that it was defective for it broke in the meat of the rod between the stripper guide and the next guide. Two questions. 1- is there any way that I can tell myself if the blank was defective and, 2- does anyone know how Loomis will replace an IMX FS904X that is no longer available to custom builders? Th
Forum: rodboard

Hello Folks! I've been looking for some sort of woodworking plans to build an upright Rod display rack, I',m starting to get to the point were I need someplace to put em all! :-) Looking for something that will hold up to 20 or so rods. I've found prebuilt racks but think I can do things a little cheaper. Any ideas? Thanks! Brad
Forum: rodboard

Can anyone tell me WHERE to get the one inch roller bearing wheels with rubber o-rings to build my own rod wrapper? The only source I've found is Shoff's (wheels only) and he is out of them and doesn't know when they'll be in. thank you John
Forum: rodboard

I know there is a back issue of RM that has lighting in it, but have a quick question. I have a 4ft strip light in which I purchased daylight bulbs (supposed to be as close to sunlight as you can get). As for mounting pursposes, I have a work bench in which I can mount the fixture at any location. So, what is the best location in perspective to my rod lathe? Directly above on the ceiling? Or
Forum: rodboard

How much is a power wrap worth with 2 extra beds with racks and maybe 100 large spools of thread/
Forum: rodboard

While reading all the posts lately about different guides it occurred to me that people may not realize the huge inventory of guides and tops Merrick Tackle carries. Currently in stock and ready to ship are Fuji’s Folding Surf Guides. These new guides are super-light, not like the heavier older version. They are durable, high framed, surf/spinning guides made to fold down for easy traveling
Forum: rodboard

Hi guy's. Since I have started building rods in the past year I have become more critical of all rods now. Just this morning I disassembled a rod built for my boss. It was trashed ,so I wanted to check workmanship. It was an All Star blank with unknown guide and seat manufacture. It broke six inches from the seat and splintered bad. Also had a missing tip top. I was going to try to salvage the g
Forum: rodboard

How do you determine whether a blank broke due to: Over stress? Manufacture? Tight wraps? etc.?
Forum: rodboard

Well, finally broke down and tried the Supreme tonight on a spiral wrap test rod I finished last night. Good points - very clear, decent pot life, few bubbles after mixing, most bubbles appeared to disappear after application. Bad points - too thin, stinks really bad. For you folks that are used to using Flex Coat, DO NOT TRY THIS STUFF ON A ROD BEFORE YOU PLAY WITH IT AWHILE on junk rods!
Forum: rodboard

I've seen a lot of great info posted here concerning various finishes. The first two flyrods I built were finished with Flexcoat and I achieved excellent results. I'm hearing good things about the new U40 LS Supreme and am wondering what the pro's and con's are for this new finish when compared to Flexcoat. Lastly, is the LS Supreme a solvent-based system like the Flexcoat, or is it water-ba
Forum: rodboard