Nu2Cal

Thanks for the replies, everybody. School's been keeping me busy, but I did have time to finish the rod. It turned out great. I'll try and get some pics up if I can. Joe

Well, I think it worked out. I spiral wrapped the guides and they're ready for epoxy. I will let you guys know how it fishes in a couple of weeks. Joe P.S. I will try to get some pictures up.

First, I carefully removed the guide wraps and guides using a single edged razor. I then used the angled side of the razor and gently scrapped the finish off the blank. There was only paint on most of the blank, with about ten inches of epoxy near the reel seat. I am now using a 600 grit sand paper to clean up the blank. When that is complete I will apply some carnauba wax to the graphite. I am not sure how this will turn out, but I'll let you know either way when I finish. Joe

Never mind. I figured it out. Joe

I have a 7'10" heavy rod that I would like to strip down to the graphite blank and rebuild, and I would like to know if anyone has any advice on the best way to go about this. My primary concern is stripping off the flexcoat that is running the length of the rod. Joe

Thanks Mattman. I was actually thinking of using the Devcon to set the grip and reel seat, but I will look into getting some Flexcoat epoxy. I'm assuming the fly guides are single foot, correct. I don't have any experience casting the spiral wraped guides. Will it have an effect on casting distance? Joe

Hello everyone, I have been making/modifying lures for years now and I have decided to give rod building a try. I am interested in building a 7' MH fiberglass crankbait baitcasting rod with specs as follows: line 12-20 lb, lure weight 3/8-1 oz., butt size .658", tip 7.0/64th. I would like to put an EVA foam split grip on this rod as well and I have some questions about the components/materials. As far as guides go, I have done some searching on this forum and have found little information on what sizes to use for a rig like this. So, I would appreciate any clarification on what size guides to use for this particular set up. I am also curious to know if I can use an epoxy like Devcon, or is there a rod building specific epoxy? And if the butt size is as stated above what size reel seat should I use? I will probably have many more questions to ask in the future, but if there is any other advice you can think of that would be useful to someone just starting out it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Joe