Nu2Cal Posted November 25, 2012 Report Share Posted November 25, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nu2Cal Posted November 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2012 Never mind. I figured it out. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted November 26, 2012 Report Share Posted November 26, 2012 Tell us so we will know how also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nu2Cal Posted November 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted November 27, 2012 Report Share Posted November 27, 2012 Keep us posted on how it is going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dochollow Posted November 29, 2012 Report Share Posted November 29, 2012 i also have some old favorite rods that are showing their age, would like to refinish them this winter. please keep us posted as to how this works for you. thanx DOC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nu2Cal Posted December 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwags Posted December 11, 2012 Report Share Posted December 11, 2012 I just saw this thread or I would have posted sooner. I wouldn't wax anything until you're done with the epoxying!!! jeremy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ggeorge Posted February 3, 2013 Report Share Posted February 3, 2013 I once did this with a Lamiglas fly rod in the S Glass family. Basically the same approach except instead of wax I used a flexible spray on urethane I found. Don't recall the brand at all, it has held up for many years and the rod looked new when complete. I think the wax idea might have real merit as it can be rejuvenated whenever you feel like it, probably involves the least amount of added weight (not much of an issue anyway) and minor scratches etc can be treated anytime you need to. On another subject, I finished a guitar I built with wax when typically a harder chemical like laquer is the norm. Same sort of result, easy repair and rejuvenation. I think sometimes we look for these so called "permanent" and "easy" ways to finish and protect things like rod blanks and lures or guitar bodies or furniture only to find that down the road they contribute to the temporary, throw away mentality that is so common. Simple old finishes like wax, added on occasion to maintain protection work just as well and allow us to extend the life and beauty of these things without the headache of stripping the whole item raw. Hey it's a green solution as well. Less crap in the land fill as well as less chemicals used. Double bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nu2Cal Posted February 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2013 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
