[bhorlings]

Just got home and ran down to check the rod out. It was all set up! I am so excited. When I get finished with it completely I will post some more pics. I still have some painting and threading to do.






Also, since I do not have a dryer yet there are few areas where it is lumpy from me adding some epoxy on. Any tips on smoothing that out? Should I just sand it down a little those areas and coat it again?

Thanks to everyone for their tips and encouragement.

[thedude]

once you have the finish on the rod, you can run a lighter or alcohol lamp under the rod to heat the finish. This will cause it to run and sag. Use a brush to remove the excess sag/drips from the bottom and let it set. you can do this at 5-30 minute intervals since you are hand turning. I do it right off the bat on while its turning to get the finish to lay down nice and then let the dryer do its thing.


nice job btw

[bhorlings]

I did that last night but since I was hand turning it as it stiffened I did not turn it as much. Now it's hard and lumpy in a few areas. Any ideas on how to fix that?

[Spike-A-Pike]

Brian,
Since you and theDude only live 42.16 miles (more or less) apart, why not just go over, do a meet and greet, and work on rods over a long weekend??? LoL.

I agree with theDude, looks like it coming along nicely,

[Mattman]

Check your finish instructions before applying flame to your finish. That doesn't necessarily work with all finishes and I know the developer of LS2000 says "don't do it".

I've wet sanded any time I got a sag from my dryer shutting off or some stupid mishap. 320, 440 and 600 grit papers on acrylic sanding blocks.

[bhorlings]

Thanks guys... I can't wait to get to work on the next one. And to think... 1.5 years ago I picked up fishing... 4 months ago I started hand pouring baits... this week it's rod modification...

[Theflyingplatypus]

What blank did you use? That looks like carbon fiber peeking out right before the reel seat.

[bhorlings]

It is a Gander Mountain Guide Series Tourney Special (I will look when I get home tonight). I think it is just a wrap on it though. It does look like carbon fiber. From about a foot about the reel sheet it looks just like a black.

[thedude]

Originally Posted by bhorlings

It is a Gander Mountain Guide Series Tourney Special (I will look when I get home tonight). I think it is just a wrap on it though. It does look like carbon fiber. From about a foot about the reel sheet it looks just like a black.

its probably a finish they put on there. the bionic blades have something similar.. kind of like painted carbon fiber - not sure the process they use to get it though

[Brian_Va]

Similar thing happened to me years ago. I used out dated wrap finish, never cured. Stripped it all off with acetone and started over with all new. Came out perfect.