chasn_steels

Hey guys, I am planning to build a few ice rods this off season, and was wondering if you (members) were able to give me some pointers and feed back. I am really considering the extreme taper fiber glass blanks from sportsman's direct. I have a few of the TUCR's, and I really do enjoy using them. However, the rods are costly and I think it would be more gratifying if I started building a few of my own. From what the website (sportsmandirect) indicates, these fiber glass blanks are similar to TUCR's bull whip or noodle. The site also has another blank that I am interested in, that blank is identified as the extreme taper carbon. Is it safe to assume that these blanks are similar to TUCR's quick-tip and bull whip rods? I don't know, but it's worth looking into. Has anyone purchased these blanks? If so, what are your experiences and how does the blanks perform? Besides watching videos on building ice rods, what else should I take into consideration? This will be my first time, and I really want to start off right. What's a good setup to purchase to start rod building? What's a good brand to stick with that won't give me headaches down the road. Lastly, what type of paint is used to paint the tip of blanks if you're trying to achieve a noodle style rod? Any information will greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone.

Alright, so I recently acquired over 3000 pieces of 8mm - 10mm clear resin/pearl beads. I attempted to paint some of the beads, but failed miserably. So far I have burned through 300 some beads already, and I don't think that I am doing it correctly. Here's what I have been doing, let me know if I am doing this correctly. 1. Drop beads into a bag 2. Add paint 2-3 dabs 3. Shake in 1 gallon bag 4. Pour out onto paper towel to dry 5. 2 - 3 sprays of clear coat in a box What's happening is that after the clear coat, the paint still peels off of the bead. Nail polish: So than I tried painting blood streaks on the beads with a nail polish brush, and that didn't go so well. All I have is globs of red or pink every where. I have seen some people say that you can paint clear beads to what ever hue of paint your nail polish is, but when I tried, it's globbed on. Any help would truly be appreciated. Thanks.

Any tips on how to strip paint from painted crank-baits? I have a ton of old cranks that I would like to strip, and repaint. Any tips would greatly be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Thanks for tips everyone. Im excited after receiving so many quick responses to my post. BTW, I see that fishskirts sells vein paint in 2oz for 8.00. Is their paint pre-mixed to where I can just heat, dip, & paint without having to do the first step of pre-painting the jig with the vein paint? Lastly, where does everyone pick up their vein paints from? Thanks in advance again. I will post as soon as I can acquire some vein paint.

Hello fellow members. Im new to TU, & I am planning to build my first ice rod. Im looking to build 30-40 inch ice rods, specifically noodle rods, & quick tips. I have checked out the mudhole sites, but I am still clueless on how all these components work. What do I need as a first time builder to get off on the right track? I would like to produce quality rods, & with that in mind, I am willing to go the extra mile for quality components, & tools. Lastly, what do most folks use to dip or paint rod tip wirh? Ive seen this done on multiple ice rod tips. In all honesty, Im tired of paying $$$ for high quality rods. Where as, Im pretty sure that I could just build it myself. Any info would greatly be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Hello fellow members. Im new to TU, & would like to start painting my own jigs. I have a small starter kit, with some protech powder paint in an array of colors. I saw a few photos on here with the vein paint, & was wondering how that effect was done. Would any vein powder paint work? Where does everyone purchase their vein powder from? Lastly, how does the application work? Correct me if Im mistaken here. 1. Paint the jig heads w/ candy powder, then 2. Paint the jig heads w/ vein powder 3. Let it cool, than bake it? Would you be able to see the veins right away? Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you everyone.