Rod build Number Two is now under way!!!! 5'6 " batson 3/4 weight

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graylinghunter

Rod build Number Two is now under way!!!! 5'6 " batson 3/4 weight

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Posts: 1039

14/06/2008 15:58:04

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Rod build Number Two is coming Soon
I have been inspired by Pat Regan and Clan after reading his web page.
I have spent many days on tree shrouded spate streams and even on my knees I have been restricted to how i cast at times.

http://www.dryflyfisher.fishermen.co.uk/
The next build will be a Brook rod on a Batson Blank.
The project will cost less than £70 to complete.
tight lines
Graylinghunter

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 20/07/2008 06:07:01. Edited 1 time.

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graylinghunter

Batson 5'6" Rod Kit is here A few pictures. 13 July 2008

#1

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Posts: 1039

13/07/2008 13:33:46

Over the next few weeks I will build a 5'6" brook rod based on the Batson Rainshadow Blank.
For this build i didn't feel i needed to purchase rod sock and tube as i already own several rod tubes that will suffice!
I was inspired to build this one after reading a recent article. by Pat Ragen

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 20/07/2008 06:20:35. Edited 1 time.

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graylinghunter

#2

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Posts: 1039

19/07/2008 15:02:23

The first process is to examine the blank for any marks. This blank was perfect it is finished in Olympic dark green.
The photos do not do this blank justice! as the build contunues i hope to take a few outdoor shots but with the weather being pants i have done most of the work inside my conservitory with dark moody clouds above!!

The next step is to spine the blank and having read many arguments I have decided to go with the following method which involves taking the blank and holding the thin end at about 70 deg with the thick end (butt) on the floor and applying a bend by just pushing enough pressure to ark the rod with my left hand. The rod naturally twists and shifts with this pressure and rests on its preferred ark.
I have marked this central line with the china graph pen. I have then Repeated this process on the second section. I have then joined my to sections together and examined it by line of sight.

This rod to my great joy was not only now spined but also straight. You may think that it should be striaght but not all rods are spines some are aligned which is not the same thing! aligned which gives the best cosmetic line.
I have heard that even the mighty sage aligne some of their top rod rather than contruct along the spine.

I have decided that I will Aligne my snakes along this inner curve central line.

Batson enterprises sent me the following guide for spacing the Rod tip ring in situ 4.5-9.75-15.75-22.5-30-39
Rod tip (thin End) to first ring is 4.5 inches to center of ring which i have marked off with a white china graph pencil
then taped the snake in place with masking tape.

The picture below is the second snake being center being marked 9.75 inches or 93/4 inches

The Third snake is at 15.75 or 152/4 inches

The fourth Snake center 22.5 inches or 22 3/4 inches
Until all the snakes are marked on the blank.

Continue until you have all the snakes / rings marked and taped to the blank ensuring you keep in line with the spine.

Sorry the picture is not brilliant but this is the complete rod with the snake rings now taped in situ.
Only seven rings including the tip are needed on this small brook rod.

The picture below is just a reminder to anyone building a rod that the finishing washer needs to be applied before the butt section stripper ring and hook keep are whipped in place. It sits just above the cork handle.

Note the cork handle comes pre drilled in this case i didnt need to drill it out or ream it out any further to allow it so slide into position on the rod shaft. At this stage it not glued on. I am just using it to give a perspective.
If your cork handle will not slide on the blank a rat tail file will easly ream the centre (hole) lumen out.

The next job will be to get the rings aligned by sight down the spine and whip the snakes to the rod using my home made rod wrapping machine! Yes its slow but it does the job and best of all i built it for very little.
I will make utube mini move of the wrapper doing its job! If i was building lots of rods then i would invest in a rod lathe but buying all this pictured below would require great expense and the end result would be the same.

A sexy Professional rod lathe! LOTS OF NICE EXPENSIVE TOYS ON THE MARKET but if you are building a few rods for yourself dont get too carried away.

The rod lathe above will spin your wraps on too your blank in minutes but its raining again and i have all day.

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 20/07/2008 06:58:18. Edited 6 times.

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graylinghunter

Rod wrapper is out of storage

#3

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Posts: 1039

24/07/2008 19:28:58

The Rod Wrapper

Simple thread tension device.
As you can see I have been quite busy and I have whipped on the snakes on the top section.
Below this sequence shows the main stripping ring being whipped onto the blank.
I have made a small u tube film of the rod wrapper in action I will post this up soon once i have edited it.

The next job before i can do anything else is to glue the cork and seat into position.

The lumen (Centre Hole on the reel seat) required mask tape in order for the seat to fit sungly. Once the epoxy is applied over the tape and cures it will form a stable bed for the wooden reel seat to sit on the butt of the rod shaft.
See picture below.

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 24/07/2008 19:38:59. Edited 1 time.

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graylinghunter

Epoxy Reel seat and Cork Brook fly rod build graylinghunter

#4

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Posts: 1039

25/07/2008 12:50:47

At this point assemble your parts before applying the glue.!!!!!!
Don't forget the finishing washer or to put the reel seat on in the correct order.
Once you are sure mix the epoxy glue in a clean plastic container. Apply to parts and shaft and position. Using too much glue will cause the glue to splodge out all over your handle seat and threads!!!!! You dont want that!
Wipe off the excess glue straight away. Have clean cloths on stand bye.
Epoxy thinners may be worth having to hand just in case. I had intended to take more pictures at this point but the epoxy was going off fast.
I used 5 minute epoxy it doesn't give you a lot of working time!!!! If you can get hold of the 15 minute stuff it may be a better choice.

All glued up and left to fully cure for 24 hours!

The next job will be to whip on the hook keep and decorative lettering and the feather inlay!

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 25/07/2008 13:05:36. Edited 1 time.

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graylinghunter

#5

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Posts: 1039

25/07/2008 15:07:24

The u tube file i had created for the batson rod was deleted but this was done the following day on my 7�wt z-axis.71000-4.
The wrapper is slow but it gets the Job done and put the thread on under tension keeping everything tight. Once its on you can leave it running until you need to loop the 8lbs line in to pull through the thread tag end.

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 30/07/2008 06:25:41. Edited 2 times.

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graylinghunter

#6

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Posts: 1039

26/07/2008 01:12:26

Tying off a wrapped snake using 8lbs fishing line.
Using a 16inch section of 8lbs tippet form a loop and trap under the wrapping thread.

Continue to allow the whipping thread to cover the loop for at least 8 wraps.
Then cut the wrpping thread and thread the trailing tail through the tippet loop.
Pull the two ends of the tippet which will bring the thread under the wraps and back through to point at which you first
trapped the tippet loop in the wrap.

As you can see you are left with a tail. keep this under tension and cut as close as you can to the wrap. It is important that you use a very sharp craft blade.

This one on the female end of the top section. I tried to cut with a dull blade and ended up slipping and cutting into the wrap
It had to be done again!

Note it is important on female joints to form wraps around them as they can break under pressure when casting or playing a fish.

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

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graylinghunter

#7

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Posts: 1039

28/07/2008 11:26:47

Measuring and Mixing "How We Do It"
Measuring and Mixing FLEX COAT for a Perfect Finish

For years we have communicated with custom rod builders and manufacturers about our techniques to measure and mix Flex Coat Rod Wrapping Finish successfully. We decided to include the following directions in our catalog addressing only measuring and mixing of Flex Coat. The directions list the steps of how we do it on our personal rods. These techniques work with both Flex Coat Lite and High Build. Click image for a close up look!
We get our best finish with two coats. Some heavier offshore and surf rods may require a third coat. We call the first coat the primer coat, which in most cases is thinned with acetone. This technique is most advantageous when finishing a large number of rods. Thinning with acetone allows for increased speed of application and extended pot life. When thinning with acetone, apply just enough finish to saturate the thread. Understand that when applying a primer coat thinned with acetone we allow 24 hours for the finish to cure before applying the next coat. When we are rushed to finish a rod and cannot wait 24 hours for the primer coat to dry we do not thin the first coat. Not thinning the primer coat allows recoating in 6 to 8 hours. Click image for a close up look!
Note: We do not use color preserver on any of the wraps that hold the guides down because it prevents the finish from soaking into the thread, which is essential for a strong bond.
Temperature Check Prior to measuring equal portions we like our finish to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature makes it easier to measure equal portions and mix the finish thoroughly. In cold weather we heat the A and B bottles with a lamp, space heater, hair dryer, warm tap water or other heat source until the bottles are no longer cool to touch but not warm (neutral to touch). If the resins are too warm (over 100 degrees F) the catalytic reaction occurs too quickly. Click image for a close up look!
Measuring Equal Proportions (Two Techniques) To measure small amounts (3 cc of each resin or a 6 cc mix) we use Flex Coat syringes because they do not contain silicone. When measuring larger amounts (7 1/2 cc of each resin) we use graduated mixing cups. In a graduated mixing cup we always measure Part B first (the hardener) because it is thinner and levels quickly for most accurate measurements. We never measure less than 2 cc of each part when using syringes nor less than 5 cc of each part when using graduated measuring cups. Click image for a close up look!

Mixing Flex Coat
We always mix Flex Coat in a mixing cup with a small diameter round non-porous plastic or metal stirrer (approximately 3/32" to 1/8'' in diameter). Never use wood popsicle or craft sticks. Mix the finish thoroughly, the finish will first appear marbled, then cloudy, then marbled again, and finally it will appear clear when thoroughly mixed. It is important to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing cup to insure all of the epoxy is completely mixed. Mix the Flex Coat until it is crystal clear. Some bubbles will form in mixing, and while a small amount is no cause for concern, avoid a frothy mixture. After the mixture is in its clear state it can now be thinned with acetone. The amount of acetone added should not exceed 1/15 of the total mixture volume. We use our graduated pipets for these minute measurements of acetone (see tips on measuring acetone for primer coat). Again mix the thinned Flex Coat until it is crystal clear. Once mixed, we pour the finish onto a disposable plate covered with aluminum foil to release bubbles and extend the pot life. This primer coat with acetone should be applied in a thin coat, where once saturated, you can still see the thread texture. It is important that the primer coat with acetone is not too thick, otherwise it will not set properly. Make sure the finish soaks through the threads and fills the air pocket caused by the guide foot, the rod blank, and the threads. We allow 24 hours for the primer coat to dry (6 to 8 hours for un-thinned coats) before applying additional coats. We never thin any additional coats after the primer coat.

Tips to measure acetone for the primer coat
For a 6cc mix of Flex Coat add 2/5cc of acetone, which is just under 1/2cc
For a 15cc mix of Flex Coat add no more than 1cc of acetone
For a 1oz. mix of Flex Coat add no more than 2cc of acetone

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

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graylinghunter

#8

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Posts: 1039

29/07/2008 23:14:18

After applying the rod builders epoxy and allowing it to dry here is the finished batson 5'6" rod.
Over all i am very pleased with the build although having cast it today I have to say it performed very well but sadly i caught only a small chub of a couple of oz. The River i had set my stall out to fish today had come up with the thunder storm in the night almost 18 inches and was the colour of chocholate.
I am happy with the finnished rod and would rate these forecast blanks very highly. Sorry the other You tube film of me applying the epoxy to the wraps was accidently deleted but i am sure you will get the idea if you look at the Z-axis mini You tube here.
If you are woundering about the flame in the movie this allows the epoxy to run thinner and gives a more even lighter coat.
You can also flame the threads prior to applying the epoxy to burn off any minor strands.
Use caution as too much heat will cause both the above to burst into flame you are only lightly stoking the flame over the thread or wet epoxy!!!! so take precatuion and have something on hand to put out the flames in case of fire.
Just warm the applied epoxy very lightley dont make it bubble or burst into flames!!!

As i have said in the previous z-axis build practice first on an old rod section get used to the feel of things before moving onto your own project.

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 29/07/2008 23:33:58. Edited 2 times.

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graylinghunter

#9

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Posts: 1039

19/09/2008 13:51:40

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

Last Edited By: graylinghunter 21/09/2008 21:57:54. Edited 1 time.

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scott

#10

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Posts: 3

26/12/2008 18:15:42

Thats an awsome post grayling hunter,really pro looking end product too

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graylinghunter

#11

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Posts: 1039

26/12/2008 23:42:25

Thanks scott, I wished i got into rod building before i purchased my whole collection I would of saved a fortune
tl graylinghunter

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)

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adamski

rod building

#12

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Posts: 3

02/03/2009 19:33:16

Hi all,
Can anyone advise on how much one would expect to pay for building a rod excl. price of a blank kit?

thanks

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graylinghunter

#13

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Posts: 1039

03/03/2009 00:05:32

It depend on what rod you want to build?
give us a clue what you have in mind and we will try to help
GH

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)
also check out
Grayling Hunters Sister Site

www.seatroutfishing.net

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adamski

#14

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Posts: 3

03/03/2009 19:44:46

Just wanted to know what rod builders charge approximately for say 10ft for a 5 or 15ft DH for a 10 on a premium blank.
Thanks.

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graylinghunter

#15

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Posts: 1039

04/03/2009 02:21:03

Again you need to be more specific on what blank price range, If you are looking at a sage then they are about half price of a factory rod.
Dont be fooled though. Some of the blanks from the usa none sage are fantastic, I would also consider a Harrison blank sparton rods are sometimes constucted on these.
whats your budget for each rod?

I have purchased from Wayne in the usa he has lots of finished rods and kits

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/steelhead56

Give him a ring he will sort you out, with a kit or finished custom rod he supplied me with the sage blank for my first rod build on the z-axis top bloke

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)
also check out
Grayling Hunters Sister Site

www.seatroutfishing.net

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klinkhammer

#16

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Posts: 2

08/03/2009 14:36:52

graylinghunter,
i am very interested in building a rod simuliar to the 5ft 6in Batson 3/4 wt.
please could you advise on where you purchased the blank etc.

regards
klinkhammer

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adamski

#17

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Posts: 3

09/03/2009 09:22:17

Thanks GH.

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graylinghunter

#18

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Posts: 1039

10/03/2009 09:42:31

klinkhammer wrote:
graylinghunter,
i am very interested in building a rod simuliar to the 5ft 6in Batson 3/4 wt.
please could you advise on where you purchased the blank etc.

regards
klinkhammer

Try this chap

http://www.jsflyfishing.c...&item=RK-010202-6602

you will need to email them for a slight change to your kit, eg 5' 6" which they did they for me
tl graylinghunter

Knowledge is Power
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
Remember fishing tackle shops have sold more tackle than fisherman have caught fish enough said

"The nice thing about getting old," is that you realize what a madhouse it all is. Instead of a young person's view, which is that the world must be sane, with occasional pockets of insanity, you come around to my position, in which the world seems to be a complete madhouse - with occasional pockets of sanity" ( John Cleese 1988)
also check out
Grayling Hunters Sister Site

www.seatroutfishing.net

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klinkhammer

#19

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Posts: 2

10/03/2009 17:02:04

thanks graylinghunter

regards
klinkhammer

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Rod build Number Two is now under way!!!! 5'6 " batson 3/4 weight

Rod build Number Two is now under way!!!! 5'6 " batson 3/4 weight

Measuring and Mixing "How We Do It"
Measuring and Mixing FLEX COAT for a Perfect Finish

Click image for a close up look!

Note: We do not use color preserver on any of the wraps that hold the guides down because it prevents the finish from soaking into the thread, which is essential for a strong bond.

Click image for a close up look!

Tips to measure acetone for the primer coat
For a 6cc mix of Flex Coat add 2/5cc of acetone, which is just under 1/2cc
For a 15cc mix of Flex Coat add no more than 1cc of acetone
For a 1oz. mix of Flex Coat add no more than 2cc of acetone

Quick Reply

Yuku free message boards

Rod build Number Two is now under way!!!! 5'6 " batson 3/4 weight

Rod build Number Two is now under way!!!! 5'6 " batson 3/4 weight

Measuring and Mixing "How We Do It" Measuring and Mixing FLEX COAT for a Perfect Finish

Click image for a close up look!

Note: We do not use color preserver on any of the wraps that hold the guides down because it prevents the finish from soaking into the thread, which is essential for a strong bond.

Click image for a close up look!

Tips to measure acetone for the primer coat For a 6cc mix of Flex Coat add 2/5cc of acetone, which is just under 1/2cc For a 15cc mix of Flex Coat add no more than 1cc of acetone For a 1oz. mix of Flex Coat add no more than 2cc of acetone

Quick Reply

Measuring and Mixing "How We Do It"
Measuring and Mixing FLEX COAT for a Perfect Finish

Tips to measure acetone for the primer coat
For a 6cc mix of Flex Coat add 2/5cc of acetone, which is just under 1/2cc
For a 15cc mix of Flex Coat add no more than 1cc of acetone
For a 1oz. mix of Flex Coat add no more than 2cc of acetone