Got home from vacation & want to start on the rod build, first question with the reel seat, it's a Fuji ecm, do I just expoy it in place or do I have to put tape in the back of it, it fits really tight

Fuji ecs? If so, you just epoxy it to the blank. No need for arbors of any kind.

Yes thanks

Microwave guides do u sand the feet? The blank is 7'3" , the back of the reel seat is going to be 9.5" , where is a good starting point for the guides, it's a casting rod

I'm not sure, but they probably do need to be sanded. You should be able to tell by looking at them.

I usually just measure about 20" from where the line comes out of the reel for the stripper guide then static test from there.

Microwave guides do u sand the feet? The blank is 7'3" , the back of the reel seat is going to be 9.5" , where is a good starting point for the guides, it's a casting rod

 

 

I always sharpen the feet on all guides.  As far as microwaves go, they have a specific spacing chart based on the height of the reel to be used and the distance to the first running guide.  I always start with the recommended spacing then test by mounting a reel and stringing line and checking for myself.  

 

FYI - I don't see much advantage gained with micro waves for a casting rod.  Microwaves on a spinning rod has huge performance gains, casting not so much.  Just my .02.

Using either a smoke or BB1 reel, wanted to do a single foot for my first wrap job, that why I went with the microwave guides

What do u use to secure your tip top? Does anyone use the pro paste left over from the reel seat?

What do u use to secure your tip top? Does anyone use the pro paste left over from the reel seat?

 

 

I use tip top glue and then thread finish over the joint between blank and tip.

Microwaves on a spinning rod has huge performance gains, casting not so much.  Just my .02.

 

I agree with this, and if Lee's wrong then I'm wrong too (entirely possible)  

 

Roger

Grips & seat mounted

Microwave guides do u sand the feet? The blank is 7'3" , the back of the reel seat is going to be 9.5" , where is a good starting point for the guides, it's a casting rod

that's an awfuly short handle , why ?

The back of the seat is 9.5" , same as other rods I bought, I don't like the butt past my elbow,

What is a good starting point for the guides, rod is 7'3", back of reel sear is 9.5" , going to use either a Smoke or BB1 reel.

Can u buy the plastic & aluminum cups at a craft store?

The back of the seat is 9.5" , same as other rods I bought, I don't like the butt past my elbow,

ok, seems really short and would be difficult for two handed casts, good luck on your build !!!

I mix finish in an upside down beer/soda can just clean it off with alcohol before mixing. Mix finish and blow over it thru a drinking straw to drive bubbles out of finish. Free cup. Lynn

BD what county are you in?  I'm also in NEPA. Lynn

Sounds like you need to do a little more research, BD. The bottom of a soda can is a good choice though for mixing. It gives you a little extra pot life compared to plastic, and it doesn't create an awful lot of bubbles while mixing.

What is a good starting point for the guides, rod is 7'3", back of reel sear is 9.5" , going to use either a Smoke or BB1 reel.

Can u buy the plastic & aluminum cups at a craft store?

 

The guides came with a recommended guides spacing chart in the paperwork.  Start there and tape the guides on.  Mount a reel and see how the line goes through the first 3 guides.

BD what county are you in?  I'm also in NEPA. Lynn

I live in Roaring Brook Twp., Lackawanna

I used 1/8 rubber bands to hold the guides, tried to static test, that didn't work

tried to static test, that didn't work

Why not?

They bent over

try some 1/8'' pinstripe tape

The way I static test is I first set the guides how I want them with 1/8" orthodontist bands then use 1/8" masking tape to secure them in place leaving room at the foot of the guide for wrapping. Works really well. The reason I use 1/8" tape is because I almost exclusively use micro guides.