R
Rkey530
Member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2009
- Messages
- 60
Here are a few pics of my latest rod project. Its a Rainshadow RX7 9' 3wt 2pc. Mostly this was built to make flyfishing for panfish on reservoirs and lakes a little more sporting, though it'll probably end up doing some finesse fishing on larger rivers on occasion as well. The blank and components were a Christmas gift in 07', the build didn't start until March of 09' and its been a long 10 months for many reasons.
I finished installing the seat, grip, and 2 of the guides on the butt section before finding out the female ferrule was cracked. Thanks to all those who helped answer my question as to what to do regarding that. When it came down to it I used a Japanese flush cut back saw to trim about 5/8" off of the female ferrule to get above the crack. Then I brought the ferrule wrap extremely close to the edge and extended it about double what it should normally be and put a few extra coats of finish on it. Initially this seems to have worked.
The potential for complications with flexcoat regarding measuring and mixing have always bothered me. I've never once messed up, though the potential stresses me out. I just did not want to have that pressure on this particular rod so I decided to go with the Gudebrod #840 one part water based rod finish. I think it turned out nicely. I like the ease in cleanup and felt very comfortable using better quality brushes and think that helped in achieving the best finish I’ve managed on a rod thus far. My one reservation regarding the choice is that while flexcoat has proven itself to be durable for years and i've seen it last, I have no clue as to how the Gudebrod will hold up. Hopefully it holds up very well.
Questions, comments, and critique are all welcome.
Off to sew and embroider the rod sock.
I finished installing the seat, grip, and 2 of the guides on the butt section before finding out the female ferrule was cracked. Thanks to all those who helped answer my question as to what to do regarding that. When it came down to it I used a Japanese flush cut back saw to trim about 5/8" off of the female ferrule to get above the crack. Then I brought the ferrule wrap extremely close to the edge and extended it about double what it should normally be and put a few extra coats of finish on it. Initially this seems to have worked.
The potential for complications with flexcoat regarding measuring and mixing have always bothered me. I've never once messed up, though the potential stresses me out. I just did not want to have that pressure on this particular rod so I decided to go with the Gudebrod #840 one part water based rod finish. I think it turned out nicely. I like the ease in cleanup and felt very comfortable using better quality brushes and think that helped in achieving the best finish I’ve managed on a rod thus far. My one reservation regarding the choice is that while flexcoat has proven itself to be durable for years and i've seen it last, I have no clue as to how the Gudebrod will hold up. Hopefully it holds up very well.
Questions, comments, and critique are all welcome.
Off to sew and embroider the rod sock.
This is my first rod on a Rainshadow blank and I've yet to actually cast it. Hopefully I'll get a chance towards the end of the week or the weekend to get out and I'll report back. A season or two ago I built a 9' 4wt 4pc for use on the beaverkill and willowemoc here in ny. I used an American Tackle Matrix blank (green) and really like the results. Great rod for dry fly presentations and light nymphing. I have a few freinds asking for me to make that or a smaller 3 wt for them from the matrix blanks. Initially, from wiggling it around, the finished rainshadow seems like it might be a bit heavy and slow. Though once i get a reel and some line on it that might all change.
