Im pretty certain if you put all my posts together in the coming weeks, you'll get a very nifty how to :chased:

Ok so the blank I have for this starter rod is a 7ft graphite.

the butt area for the rear grip is to narrow for 5/8 and to wide for 1/2

would it be ok to build up the section with masking tape rings, say 2 inches apart? Then file into them for a better bonding surface for the 5/8

or do they make something in between that i overlooked?

:thanks:

thats what i did and it seems to be pretty solid. :huh:

I usually use a combination of cork and masking tape. Epoxy seems to adhere better to the rough surface of the cork.

The masking tape will work fine. I would space the tape closer together though. When you put the epoxy on the blank and in between the tape pour in in the openings and then use laquer thinnner or something else to clean up the exess. You want enough of the flexcoat inside the grip so that all surfaces will be covered with it.

Use epoxy on the grips , not flexcoat. I use Kardhol for thick gaps and Rodbond for thin gaps. The kardhol is thicker and fills the big gaps better while the rodbond will flow nicely into the thinnest gaps. there is also a way to get a 100 fill with epoxy under the seat. Seach around , I described it here or on SOL somewhere.

yes , do use bushings .

thanks guys. just finished all the under wraps, filed down the guides and will start wrapping those tonight or tomorrow.

any good tips on starting wraps. I seem to have trouble locking the thread down. I know tension is key but to start it spins quite a bit.

what i am doing is wrap once then take the thead spool end and cross over tag end. hold at cross point and slowly turn 3 or 4 times...I think this might be a practice makes perfect scenario.

my first wrap took maybe 45 minutes then subsequent wraps less and less.

For the first few wraps , keep your finger on the wrap to keep it from spinning and unraveling. once you have 2 to 4 wraps down , this should not be a problem. Always have clean hands while working with the thread.

things to watch out for #143

Make sure you face the guide in the right direction before you start your wrap. Unlike myself who completely finished before i noticed. :wall: :wall:

this is how I roll.

I'll throw some pics up tonight or tomorrow of my progress. This forum seems kinda dead.