ejtaylor822

Prayers sent for a speedy recovery and strength to get you through conducting your Church's program. Let us know how you are doing. As others have said, do the therapy and take it easy. Eddie

Agree with others and also, if you need a real quick clean/shine, lemon pledge (has to be lemon pledge) furniture polish works good as well to give it quick polish without having to buff out like a car wax. Eddie

I use burl and cork. But after reading up on burl will probably not use "real" cork after my current stash is gone. Have been using the Burl from Mudhole without any problems. Understand Lamar is the standard that all others are measured against but I have not used Lamar. I will get some pics of my "lathe" setup and some recent cork work this evening. I use a drill and my belt sander inverted in a jig I made to hold it. Eddie

Looking good, Cliff. I have learned those lessons myself - 5 min epoxy, wraps, etc. The thing about watching the already wrapped guides also applies when putting on the finish. I have messed up finishes because I wasn't paying attention to (1) where I had previously applied and (2) where I put my hand when turning the rod. But, its all good as it teaches. One thing I will throw out..... I am a recent convert to U40 Rod Bond for grips and reel seats. I use to use 5 min epoxy for this as I liked the way it cleaned up as opposed to regular epoxy or Devcon 2-ton (first approach). What I like about Rod Bond is that the pot life is longer, it kinda has the consistency of a paste so when you put it on the arbors for the reel seat it stays ( 8-) ) - no running, and, it is even easier to clean up (for me anyway) than 5 min epoxy. I am on my fourth build with Rod Bond and love it. Since my first build, after my grips and reel seats have cured for at least 24 hours, and prior to putting the guides on, I try to pull off. I test all grips and reel seat by holding in each hand (ie, butt grip in left hand reel seat in right) and try to twist them off - I would rather they break on me than someone who has the fish of a lifetime on the other end - and have yet to have any problems with Rod Bond. It doesn't get "workable" as fast as 5-min, but I have worked with it (shaping grips) in about an hour after applying. The only thing I do not like, and its minor just throwing out as an FYI, given that it is pasty the measuring of the parts is not very easy. You can't use a syringe or pour into a graduated mixing cup. I have asked around about more precise measuring but everyone seems to go with the "by eye" method of globs of mix. I did learn that it will work with up to a 60-40 mix and still be workable so it does not have to be precise 50/50 mix like thread finish. Just throwing out as an FYI as I (now) love Rod Bond! Eddie

Looking good! Off to a good start. Keep the pics coming. Eddie

Flechero, I haven't tried cheaters (love the name, BTW) but have used the lens on the end of an adjustable boom. What I like about the headband is that unlike the magnifying lens on the adjustable arm, everything is in "perspective". For me this means I can move my head, change positions, etc., and not have the view distorted, out of focus or constantly readjust the lens position. Also, and the biggest for me, is that my periphery doesn't get wigged out..... What I mean by this it that it always messed with me when I was tying flies, applying finish, wrapping, etc., that under my 6" magnifying lense my fingers and tools looked ginormous, yet outside of the lens in my field of view everything - fingers, hands, end of tools - were smaller/normal size and for some reason this really messed with me. Not to mention that having the lens in close for detail work often got in the way. Not the case with the headband as the field of view is consistent. I bought this one and love it: http://www.mudhole.com/Home/Head-Strap-Magnifier The light is weak and I do not use. But with four interchangeable lenses of magnification its worth the price. The visor actually holds two lenses at a time and you can combine them for increased magnification. I use the 1.8x all the time and then flip down the 2.5 for really detailed work. Have to get in close to bring into focus but still plenty of room to work. When not needed I flip the visor out of the way AND it holds in place. I literally wear them the entire time I am dressing guide feet, wrappping and applying finish. Very comfortable - even for my big noggin - and have not noticed any eye strain or headaches. Highly, highly recommend. Eddie

The first thing I do is heat my expoy parts with a heat gun (wife's old hair dryer) for about a minute. I use syringes, with holes drilled in the top of the bottles where I keep them. When I push the plunger in the syringe up I want the bubble to rise quickly - that lets me know it's right. I draw it out slow and put the resin in the cup first, then the hardener. I use a Pac-Bay mixer which is awesome, but, prior to that I mixed in the flexcoat cups, poured out on aluminum foil and used a straw to blow out the bubbles. I usually use a spatula for the first coat on the guides and a good quality 1/2" brush on any windings or decals being sure not to add bubbles. I have found that I get the best edge finishes after the finish has set for a while so I typically coat all my guides, then go back and do the edges. I get better results when the finish is not real runny. I use a good quality "pointy" sable brush and turn rather quickly by hand for most edging applications. Now, if I want a good neat solid edge I will overlap the finish by about 1/16" to the wrap on the blank - not a lot, becuase I am going to "push back". I will then take a coffee filter (best lint free rag there is) rip in two and double over. I will put a sharp crease in it and wrap over the blank - crease toward the wrap. I will hold the bottom part of the filter between my thumb and index finger on my right hand under the blank. I will spin the blank with my left hand and apply firm pressure on the filter while sliding towards the wrap. When I am at a distance I like will stop moving the filter forward, hold it there and make a few more revolutions being sure to keep both hands steady to get a good solid edge - takes practice and I still mess up on occassion. When done and to keep the fine edge, while spinning the blank I will quickly push the towel up and away from the guide. I use a fine dubbing needle/bodkin to get under guide feet and apply in the gap on casting guides. For really tight areas - like under the ring of a forhan wrapped fly guide, I have a paper clip filed down to a small blunt point that I can "dab" on. Any touch ups I will roll up pieces of the coffee filter to a solid/stiff point and wipe away. This works real good for cleaning up under the guide feet of casting rods. Oh, and the most important thing for me that I have discovered of late for finishing - Magnification! Recently bought a head band magnification setup and it is the greatest thing in the world! I do not dress guide feet, wrap or finish without now. It, IMHO, is a must have. Eddie

Let me add one thing to what Flechero said - IT"S ADDICTING!!!!!!! I hand turn as well when applying finish. Let sit for about 5 mins to wipe off any excess then put in the dryer - 4 RPM. Everything I use is home made and got my turning motor off ebay for less than $20. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1204259464/0#0 skunked_again, I do not put a whole lot into finding the spine. I put the blank on the bench, roll it around then mark it - 3 mins tops. I have done some testing with guides and reel seat taped on the spine and off and couldn't really tell that much of a difference in casting. I build on the spine for (2) reasons - consistency in the builds and if it does make a difference, want it while fighting the fish. Eddie

I have built a couple on the XMG blanks - but - am by no means an expert. I can't compare it to the STC or Loomis as I have not built on them specifically for the same type of application. The XMGs I have buit on the people really like them. They are very good blanks, IMHO. They are high modulous and are typically very fast for their power ratings - very light and sensitive. For the $$$ can't be beat. Lami does not have as wide a selection and variety as STC or Loomis, so depending upon what you are looking for they may not have a specific model as close to what you are looking at in the STC or Loomis. Depending upon the feedback you get on here, may want to give some of the vendors a call and discuss. IM me and I can give you some names and numbers if needed. For crankbaits though, you can't go wrong on the Lami CCB's. Eddie

I bought my vice several years ago off of ebay. Think it was made in India. Bought a cheap one - think the whole set was $50. Wanted to see if I could tie my own flies and if I liked it was going to move up to a better one. Many, many flies and years later I am still using it. Just can't see spending several hundred dollars on a new vice when this one works great for me. I tie flies, trebles and buck tails on it. Just get good solid quality that has several jaw sizes with it. One thing I will say tough, what I like about the one I have is that it has the lever to clamp the jaws shut. I have noticed some vices only have the barrel tightener. Just not sure if this would hold larger hooks, especially the heavy bucktail jigs. Eddie

A turtle, old shirt, tree limb with three cranks in it and fishing line that when I pulled in had a chatter bait I had lost earlier in the year.

Another vote for super glue - I like the kind with the little brush. Not as conventient to carry as the tube with the pen applicator, but, the brush can get more precise IMHO.

Like Bass-Brat said, slow plastics. If it were me I would be throwing weightless worms - T-rigged and wacky - and also split shot all slowly across the bottom with gentle falls. After that some swim baits, once again very slow.

I agree with others. Get some planos (or Falcon) and some softside bags. I use the 37xx and 36xx boxes. I like using the 37xx for storage and when traveling. I use them in my boat bag when I will not be carrying very far - 8 of those full can get heavy. For arouind the shoreline and rivers I use the 36xx in my Cablela's backpacker which is excellent for walking and carrying.

That looks great for a first attempt. You have talent. Love the design.

Those look great - defintely better than what could be bought. Love the colors. Especially the darker greens.

You said it! The "current" GNR is more like a good GNR cover/tribute band.

Very, very nice. But, I have seen some just as nice from some of the guys on here. But, for a $100?!?! There's no way I am going to tie on a $100 lure, violently sling it across the lake and retrieve it back through sticks, twigs, over logs and the muck. I've lost too many $4 lures.

43 years old and I still eat them. Favorite is frosted strawberry followed by frosted blueberry. We have them in the vending machine in our break room, and sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a frosted strawberry poptart.

Glad you guys were alright. Please remember, graphite rods WILL conduct electricity. Eddie

Those look awesome! How do you do that? Incredible.

2x that!!! Enjoyed the match. I really thought Couture could win that. I was really thinking he would win after watching the first round. Lesnar was starting to tank when RC kept him in the cage. But, just hard to compete when one of those "big hams" come your way. Was glad to see a little humility from Lesnar and giving Randy the respect he deserves. Lesnar gets his cardio going and more experience he is going to dominate for a while. Eddie

Wow. To say I am humbled and flattered is a huge understatement. Been out of pocket/town last few days and sitting here surfing on BassResource.com between matches during UFC 91 when I saw this. What an incredible surprise. I am humbled. Thanks, Chuck/wagn for the kind words and being so patient during the build. Sorry we missed the fall bite. That reel looks great on there - zillions are awesome. Flattering to have a reel of that caliber on one of my builds. Appreciate all the kind words from everyone. I am so humbled. Thanks, Eddie

It's the new Michael Jackson diet.

Looks great!!! Good job. To echo what flechero said, it will get better. As good as this rod is, you will look at it after completing a dozen more and you will be amazed how much "easier", faster and better everything is that you do at that point. Keep it up. Eddie