I've just finished my first build (10" 4WT) all went fine, a couple of questions though, what do you guys do with your brushes once you've applied the epoxy/finish to the rod wraps? I used Diamondite and just couldn't return my brushes into a re-useable state via water or turps. Do I need to use the specific Diamondite brush cleaner or is there a more common alternative?

Do you use disposable brushes?

Also, after the (relative) success of my first build, I have a 9" 4WT Sage XP with a swollen reel seat that is unusable. Any recommendations regarding the replacement of the reel seat? I'm fine putting a new one on, just not sure what the best method of attack is to remove the existing one without damaging the cork handle or blank.

Finally, does anyone know which make/model of reel seat was used on the lighter range of sage xp rods (with the Half Wells handles) as I'd like to return it to it's former glory.

Regards,
Terry

__________________
www.gamefishingguide.co.uk

Can't help with the reel seat but meths is a good cleaner for epoxy.

Rod

I use disposable brushes..cant be bothered cleaning

As for the reel seat...if it is not integreal to the handle, ie, glued up inside the cork, then apply heat vie a hairdrier.Try straight pulls rather than twisting. You may need to get the seat prety hot to get the heat through to the glue underneath. Maybe gloves would be a good idea.

Call John and Meadow Fisheries regarding the reel seat...I believe he will be able to tell you/supply the same as Sage..but it should be a Struble.

Hope that helps a little.

Thanks for the help, I have a heat gun so I'll try that on the reel seat. Meadow's not far so I'll pop in and see what John has available.

Regards,
Terry.

__________________
www.gamefishingguide.co.uk

You should do it easily with a heat gun - that's what I always use.

I use cellulose thinners to clean brushes. Give them a good working in that and then, while they are still wet, follow up with washing-up liquid and finally a rinse. Only takes a few seconds.



Dave.

Hi Terry, for most 2 packs Acetone purchased from the local chemist seems to work ok, but just buy the plain old acetone and not the modern stuff for removing nail varnish as some contain other chemicals to condition nails etc.

Your reel seat will be a Struble, have a look at this site www.guidesnblanks.com and try and suss out the one you need, or try Glen Struble's own web site for more details www.strublemfg.com.

The biggest give away is often the reel seat locking ring, have a close look and you should be fine.

Removing the old seat can be a pain but careful work with a Dremmel and a small (25mm ish) diamond wheel can often come up trumps, be very very careful and do not go any deeper than needed, cut length ways (90mm ish), you may need to sacrifice the cork ring which the seat is glued into, a cut either side of the seat will help, you can always replace the cork ring later, infact some seats come with the ring attached.

Good luck..


Regards V..

__________________
"Perfection will do"

Thanks Guys,

The reel seat came off nice and clean using a "heat it up" gun. If anyone else want's to know, the replacement reel seats for the Sage XPs with the half wells handles are the Struble U-20 with an Imbuya insert.

Regards,
Terry

__________________
www.gamefishingguide.co.uk

Epoxy clean-up.
Start with vinegar, finish with acetone.

__________________
Plusnet/Madasafish > Liars to the internet community