CTS VT: 3-6
 

Started it last night. The handle is on. Underwraps later today. I re-did another rod in between. I fixed the spacing on a ODM Nex1 that I made 2 years ago, moved the reduction guides and added a few more runners. That one comes off the dryer later today.

I see your completing your CTS line up. Great blanks.
Always wondered how individuals transition their fore grips to blanks. So many different personal ways. Back in the " cork" era, we would taper the cork with sanding /filing then apply a thin coat to incase and finalize to a neat ramp. With shrink wrap I use TM rod bond and form a ramp while slow spinning. Formed cork I was doing winding checks but now I create a ramp transition after I thread the butt wrap.
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I do like their blanks. I also still need to finish a flyrod (but my saltwater fly days are likely over unless I learn to cast lefty).

I will work on the ramp today. I will just use some D thread and then apply finish for a smooth transition. I will then wrap over and apply finish as needed with the goal of having everything even with the grip. I was just short on the last one but decided to leave it as it was since it looked pretty good. For me, the more that I mess with finish the better the chances of screwing something up.

Underwraps on and first coat of finish.

progress

Golden rod? I like that base. The silver under makes it bright. You using blue over?
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Yes and probably yes. I want ot see how it looks first tho.

Even NCP red. I kinda like that with yellow. If not,u can't go wrong w/Black.
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Guide weight - before & after foot prep

Those KT8'S r a pain to prep. Luckily its a quick grind.
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Yes, fingers get very close to the dremel.

Manicure!!!
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Hopefully, I can get all the guides on tomorrow.

Those looks real boss. Nice flair to the build. Beautiful change from today's stealth look. Looking way back at old rods built , color variation was popular.
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thank you

Very nice. That is what makes it yours. Everything you can buy like was said before is all stealth.
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First coat of finish on today.

How'd did the build perform ? Looks sweet. Talked to Frank G at the lami booth. He had his 1321M w/ti RV and KW setup. unbelievable lightness in tip. Heres a rod blank with heavier walls in tip and it felt balanced and responsive. Far cry from SS guides. Your CTS must feel like a ultra light. He scaled the guides and they came in little over .4oz. Light weight tips are the only issue with tube size >10.

I haven't thrown this one yet. Between the weather lately and other chores I haven't gotten to it. I did make another 3-6 last year with the same layout. Going forward, I don't see me building another KW set-up. It will be either RV or KL's for my surf builds.

If the rain holds off maybe I can try and get the 2-4 and 3-6 out for some casts later today.