QuestionIve got some old bamboo fly rods I want to restore and or re wrap put new cork and reelseats on. two of them I want to do a complete overhaul and fish with them. Im not concerned with keeping them original. I would like to strip them down completely and add new reelseat, cork, line guides,and tip top.Ive assembled a few graphite rods. I would like to know how to strip the line guids off? How do I get the cork and reelseat off with keeping the rod intact?And lastly with the blank do I sand it and spar varnish or use a stripping compound?
AnswerBen,
To remove the finish use a stripper , I often sand or scrape but very lightly after applying the stripper.
Strippers :Old Dads , Citristrip , BTX Stripper non water based strippers
Reel seats and ferrules too, are often pinned , removing pins usually loosens them enough to pull off with just pressure. But sometimes glue holds over the age of a rod , heat will loosen the glue , but be careful. You want to use a a non carbon flame, not a candle but a heat gun , steam kettle , hair dryer or alcohol lamp. Rotate the exterior in the heat source , being careful not to burn the outside but heat the inside melting the glue, pull and it will come off.
The cork , I cut it off with a knife. You might keep some in a bag , cork dust mixed with glue you can repair cork grips.
For guides that won't pull off with finger nails, I carefully cut threads , with one sided razor blades from the hardware store. Run the blade parallel to the rod and you won't nick it.
For finish - You can use Tung or Tongue oil , but if you use spar or polyurethane then you need to dip the rod to avoid drips and runs.
Dip tubes can be made easily for under $10, under 6 feet tall , can be used with most ceilings and stored easily , here is the drawing and instructions :
http://www.lu-c-an.com/draintube.JPG
Dip and dry in as dust free location as you can.
I learned allot from Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair ( good info on old rods , too# but I have The Fine Bamboo Fly Rod: A Master's Secrets of Restoration %26 Repair by Stuart Kirkfield #$80), which is great, but hard to find!
Components
1. Mudhole http://www.mudhole.com/default.html Email
[email protected] Telephone #407# 277-0099 Toll Free Fax #800# 420-6049 ,FL
2. Janns Netcraft call #800# 346-6590 http://jannsnetcraft.com/
3. Shoff tackle http://www.shofftackle.com/ 214 West Meeker Street , Kent, Washington U.S.A. 98032 253-852-4760 Fax 253-850-8757
4. Anglers Workshop 360.225.9445 - www.anglersworkshop.com
5. Clemens Custom Tackle - 444 Schantz Road Allentown, PA 18104 Voice: #610) 395-5119 http://209.239.62.129/clemens.htm
6. Hook %26 Hackle Company - http://www.hookhack.com/ - 7 Kaycee Loop Road, Plattsburgh NY 12901 phone: 1-800-552-8342
7. Custom Tackle Supply http://www.customtackle.com 931-684-6164
8. Merrick Tackle Center, Inc. Shandaken, NY 12480 1-800-628-8904 Toll Free www.merricktackle.com
I quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.
It has taken me over an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.
Luck,
Mac
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