Squirrel's New Rod Build

[squirrelwhisperer]

11 minutes ago, Nytracker said:

I looked at them ... cant say I would need it for what i do

I am considering going for the chuck upgrade. 

[Nytracker]

https://www.mudhole.com/DCRDS-Variable-Speed-Rod-Dryer-with-Dryer-Clutch

This is what I'm waiting on .  I also bought the blank extension. 

[squirrelwhisperer]

5 hours ago, Nytracker said:

https://www.mudhole.com/DCRDS-Variable-Speed-Rod-Dryer-with-Dryer-Clutch

This is what I'm waiting on .  I also bought the blank extension. 

Is that the one that needs the rubber bands to hold the blank? Hope you get it soon. I wanna follow your next build. 

My wrapper has a second drying motor for this. 

[Nytracker]

No rubber bands . It's made of soft rubber  kind of friction fit with a taper. I still have my old chuck that I made of aluminum stock that uses either rubber bands or a piece of rubber tubing for the smaller tapers.

[squirrelwhisperer]

Just did up one guide. Trying something different this time. Using a laser for preliminary alignment so I started from the guide nearest the tip. He picked the colors of the flag.



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[squirrelwhisperer]

Couldn’t leave it alone. Had to redo it. Dam OCD lol.


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[Nytracker]

Glad I'm not the only one 

[squirrelwhisperer]

I have 5 out of 8 guides done. Still have to do the tip-top and deco wrap before I can start epoxy. Real PITA to make sure all the under wraps and trims are the identical size. Guides get wrapped and re-wrapped sometimes. Lookin good.




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[ATbuckhunter]

Approx how long do you think it will take for you to finish the rod? 

[Nytracker]

Probably  depends on his OCD..... how many times he has to rewrap the guides to make them perfect...

[ATbuckhunter]

3 minutes ago, Nytracker said:

Probably  depends on his OCD..... how many times he has to rewrap the guides to make them perfect...

Ive always wanted to get into rod building, but theres only so many hobbys you can have lol. 

[Nytracker]

Its not that hard . I learned from a book and a vhs  tape . My first rod build cost 25 bucks  . I wrapped it on a cardboard box using a coffecup and book for tension.  Used a drill for a dryer. 

[squirrelwhisperer]

4 hours ago, ATbuckhunter said:

Approx how long do you think it will take for you to finish the rod? 

 

4 hours ago, Nytracker said:

Probably  depends on his OCD..... how many times he has to rewrap the guides to make them perfect...

It typically takes 2-3 weeks once all the components arrive, depending on how intricate the rod is. Most of that time is curing. Any time i use any epoxy, I allow 24 hours of cure time before proceeding. I will use up to 3 coats of epoxy on the wraps and then allow 3 days of curing after the last one before declaring it fishable. And yes, I sometimes redo wraps over and over until I am happy with them. I was never actually diagnosed with OCD lol. 

Edited April 21, 2020 by squirrelwhisperer
Posted without commenting lol

[squirrelwhisperer]

4 hours ago, ATbuckhunter said:

Ive always wanted to get into rod building, but theres only so many hobbys you can have lol. 

It’s a great way to pass time after hunting and before fishing. 

[squirrelwhisperer]

4 hours ago, Nytracker said:

Its not that hard . I learned from a book and a vhs  tape . My first rod build cost 25 bucks  . I wrapped it on a cardboard box using a coffecup and book for tension.  Used a drill for a dryer. 

That’s awesome. Where there is a will, there is a way! 

[ATbuckhunter]

4 hours ago, squirrelwhisperer said:

It’s a great way to pass time after hunting and before fishing. 

Thats what i was thinking as well. Thats the reason I dabbled in fly tying lol. Maybe one day ill get into it. The rod is looking good though!

[Nytracker]

21 hours ago, squirrelwhisperer said:

I have 5 out of 8 guides done. Still have to do the tip-top and deco wrap before I can start epoxy. Real PITA to make sure all the under wraps and trims are the identical size. Guides get wrapped and re-wrapped sometimes. Lookin good.




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Looking good ..    like to see what you think of  the pro coat

[squirrelwhisperer]

42 minutes ago, Nytracker said:

Looking good ..    like to see what you think of  the pro coat

Soon enuff. I will post an unbiased review for you. 

[Nytracker]

Rod dryer showed up ..  maybe  next weekend I can work on finishing the rod.

[knehrke]

I am a big fan of the Flexcoat slip clutch. When I'm applying finish, it allows me to rip a coat of epoxy on at full speed, then to simply grab the rod and look at it carefully for errors. I find that the more attention I pay to the epoxy, the less professional it appears. If I apply it quickly, fill in the gap under the guide foot with a needle, and give it the once over with an alcohol torch for the micro-bubbles, then it ends up premier. If I act like I'm painting it on and try to be really careful, then less so. 

[squirrelwhisperer]

All the guides are now complete. Tomorrow I do the deco wrap. Getting close!



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[Nytracker]

There's  more thread on the spools ... I think you got a few more  rewrapps  in ya .....

[squirrelwhisperer]

Chevron #1



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[squirrelwhisperer]

Chevron #2



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[squirrelwhisperer]

Ready to be tied off



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