What do I need for this lesson?
Different fisherman prefer different handles on their rods. Fishing Rod builders have to determine the correct type of grips for the rod they are building and what their clients require. There are many different types of grips, some longer, shorter, split grips or even out of different materials like cork.
Notes on Epoxy:
We will be using UBR Handle Kit Epoxy Paste a high quality slow cure epoxy that creates a very strong bond flexible between the blank and components. The bond will is completely waterproof and flexible giving the user a responsive feel through the handle.
Steps:
Please refer to the UBR Ultra Clear Safety Data Sheet for complete safety guidelines when using UBR Ultra Clear Epoxies.
Please wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
We glue the rear grip and butt cap before proceeding because the reel seat arbors are larger than the rear grips hollow and it cannot be fitted after the reel seat arbors are on the blank.
Epoxy on top of the tape will not provide any adhesion between the handle and the blank only the epoxy in the gaps between arbors achieves adhesion. The arbors are only there to centre the component.
While blocking one end of the grip with one hand pour some methylated spirits in the other. Block both ends of the grip and shake the grip for a few seconds. Discard any excess meths from inside the grip. This helps the EVA grips to slide over the arbors.
IMPORTANT! – Before the Epoxy Hardens
Remember – on a spin rod the hoods will be the inside of the natural curve of the blank or the opposite side of the spine (which should be where you made the mark when finding the spine). On casting rods with overhead reels the reel seat hoods will be on spine or on the outside of the natural curve of the blank.
The threaded hood on the reel seat will usually point down towards the butt of the rod.
Wait until the handle kit epoxy paste has completely dried (24 hours) before proceeding with the rod build.