Okay, I've taken the MH class, & have since  built a couple of kits where I didn't have to pick out anything. I'm comfortable enough to build my first "custom" to me rod. But I am confused about reel seats. With the kits, I just built up arbors to attach the reel seat. But I want a nicer Alps reel seat and I see 15 different sizes. I assume, but want to be sure that I measure the diameter of the blank at the area where I will put the seat. Then do I order slightly larger to account for the adhesive or get it as close as I can? Or am I missing something else altogether? Thanks for keeping me from screwing up lol!

Order 1 size small and ream gently to perfect fit. I’d like to slide a foam arbor into the threaded barrel too. Your call. 

3 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Order 1 size small and ream gently to perfect fit. I’d like to slide a foam arbor into the threaded barrel too. Your call. 

Thank you!!

  Are you familiar with the term "water break free?"  https://www.rodbuilding.org/library/waterfree.html

 

Molded plastic parts often will have mold release or other contaminants on the surface.  Even blanks can have stuff on them that can interfere with proper bonding of epoxy.  Also, a new glossy blank surface is not the best surface for epoxy.  Proper prep will assure you will never have an epoxy failure.  Read the article above for info.

8 minutes ago, MickD said:

  Are you familiar with the term "water break free?"  https://www.rodbuilding.org/library/waterfree.html

 

Molded plastic parts often will have mold release or other contaminants on the surface.  Even blanks can have stuff on them that can interfere with proper bonding of epoxy.  Also, a new glossy blank surface is not the best surface for epoxy.  Proper prep will assure you will never have an epoxy failure.  Read the article above for info.

Thanks for the info!

Until you get the hang of it and collect some  supplies, in fact, after all these years I still do it occasionally, have the shop you are getting the blank from size a rod tip top and reel seats for the length grip you want. If you are shipping your blank, the rést will ride for free.