finishing off a reel seat with no foregrip

[flechero]

I have been asked several times how I finish off a reel seat when I don't use a foregrip. Most often I use a winding check. But depending on the seat and the blank, about 1 in 5 end up the right size without help. So tonight I had to turn down a check so I caught a pic of it for those who asked.

I didn't get a seperate pic of the seat work... but after I cut it, I trim the thread that is raised at the edge with an exacto blade and then blend it by hand sanding it with 400 and 600 grit paper with pressure from my fingernail. The 600 leaves it close enough to a factory finish that the naked eye doesn't catch it (unless you are looking for it) You can see it in the macro shot as a slight difference in sheen but it's factory looking in person.

Anyway, back to the check. For this check (an 11 mm) I used a 1/2 bolt as a mandrel and a combination of a sanding screen and some 220 grit to cut it. Since it's my own rod, I didn't use 600 to smooth it or heat to refinish it. (but you can for a perfect finish)

cut check:

dry fitted check:

[cidgrad96]

I agree that attention to detail is a big difference between handmade and homemade rods.

With all due respect there is more than one way to skin a cat. My personal method is to use an epoxy ramp. It may weigh slightly more, but we're talking maybe a gram of difference for something that is  totally customizable and will last the life of the rod. Winding checks can be subject to dry rot with prolonged exposure as with any rubber product. I also like the smooth taper as it feels comfortable against a finger if you palm a reel with a finger on the rod.

I attached a picture to show two epoxy ramp versions. One is pigmented epoxy (black) and the left side is an epoxy ramp with a thread wrap to match the rest of the rod. Epoxy ramps can be learned very quickly and easily using a little 5 min epoxy. I'd be glad to help anyone who wants to learn how to do this.

Another easy option is Batson makes winding checks that are the same OD as a size 16 reel seat. These checks have different inside diameters to elimate the need for stretching one, but still retaining the proper 16.5mm outside diameter. Great match up and little work.

[ejtaylor822]

flechero, that looks great. Thanks for taking the time to explain and sharing with everyone. Great idea .

BTW, please post some pics of that rod when you are done.

Eddie

[.RM.]

Bout time you did that Keith, remember we talked about it about a year ago.. I do basically the same thing only my ramps go over the check also.

I agree with Eddie Good Job!!

Tight Wraps!

[flechero]

cidgrad- I said I usually use a check. I've made a bunch of ramps but just personally like checks better.

crappy pic but you can kind of see the threaded ramps

Eddie,

This one will be pretty plain, since it's a replacement for my fluke rod. (which means lots of use and abuse) but I'm just getting started on my new 9 wt. fly rod. It will be more like something I'd build for someone else. Grip is finished but no pics yet...

remember we talked about it about a year ago..

Yep, and I totally forgot until I got pm'd about it again. Having a baby around is murder on your memory! ;D

[I Love BassResource]

Very nice, that's typically the setup I shoot for as I dislike fore grips and I don't care for epoxy ramps.  Very cool...

[fourbizz]

Ramps can look good. But I really prefer your nice clean winding checks Keith.

My girl got a 16" brown on your 4wt last week. Pretty cool.

[Palomar]

Yea thats nice, I'm working that way on my next build

[flechero]

Ramps can look good. But I really prefer your nice clean winding checks Keith.

My girl got a 16" brown on your 4wt last week. Pretty cool.

dang, she'll outfish us both!! Or-maybe it was the rod!!    ;D

[nonpro-4now]

Do you sell any of the flyrods you make?

[flechero]

I'm not taking any orders these days... when our baby gets a little older I might be able to start taking them again.  Thanks for the interest, though!

[nonpro-4now]

Hear ya on the little ones,hands full,but yes i'd be really interested to have a one of a kind handmade flyrod.If you don't mind me asking how did you get into it and just how hard is it?

[flechero]

Loaded question! Just building a functional rod is not very hard to do. But Depending on your background and "handiness," some tasks might be simple or very difficult. But like anything, practice makes it easier. Most of the really tough stuff is the "pretty" stuff. ...lol

As for me- I had about 2 months notice on a shoulder surgery... knowing I couldn't fish for 4-6 months after ward got me looking for things to fill my time. So I read a lot, talked to other builders. With the exception of a couple tools, you can make all you need. It was supposed to fill my down time, not become another time consuming hobby!