Delaware Valley Tackle

A good cleaning and tuning will breathe new life into an already good reel.

There's no static spot on the blank that can be identified as the backbone. When the tip is trimmed it will take more weight to load and will bend deeper into the new length initially which is the definition of action.

The Albright is a great knot for joining lines of dissimilar diameter in addition to being a strong and slim knot.

Shallow square bills thrown to targets. Slash baits (jerkbaits with more aggressive action than cold water ones)

You can contact the maker with the pic and see what they say. Swinging fish and high sticking are often considered misuse. If you must lift with the Rod keep it parallel to the ground

My gut reaction is that the transition would be too abrupt. I don't think the weight difference would be meaningful in that section of the Rod but tape one on and test cast to see first hand . Who knows you might be pleasantly surprised.

3.5 runners are fine as long as you don't need to pass leader knots. A 4.5 will pass them no problem.

A 16/8/5.5H reduction chain works great with light braid

Contact them and Mike will make suggestions for how and where you fish.

Too light or heavy Rod power has an adverse affect on accuracy .

Good choice. This is an example of a fast yet soft tip that casts well and allows for subtle action to the bait. Rods or blanks marked as "popping" rods often fit the bill.

I don't know Daiwas reasoning to the different colors but I can assure you that any colored oil or grease is just dye that plays no role in the quality or lubrication of the product.

Spine/spline is '80s theory. Tests have shown no benefit deadlift strength wise and in use the Rod is flexed on multiple plains both casting and retrieving. Build on the straightest axis as already suggested.

Main ingredient is naphtha.

That's right there's no standard.

A 2500 size spinning reel is a good all around size for common bass fishing applications

Because naphtha is the bigger health risk long term. To do a reel or two it probably doesn't matter much. Just use precautions.

He has ABU Garcia reels so he knows what lews brings to the table whether he realizes it or not.

Almost all cork nowadays has some level of filler. Sealing will help preserve it but isn't mandatory. You can seal it anytime after use. Just clean and dry it. U40 is a polymer so it will deal better than tru oil. Cork doesn't take finishes well. That's one of the qualities that make it great for handles.

A slower action can be helpful keeping fish pinned when flipping heavy cover. Slower doesn't necessarily mean softer either. Each case is unique.

Take precautions and you'll be fine. Especially just doing the occasional reel of your own.

Stay safe! Acrylics are a nice custom touch.

Acetone is fine. I use it everyday

Maybe not with your first one, but once you get the finer points of design like static testing and reduction trains you'll have a truly maximized fishing tool.

A good deep cleaning should fix that. There are few other easy fixes if that doesn't do it.