MyFishFinder Forum
MyFishFinder Tips and Techniques => Fishing Equipment => Do-It-Yourselfers => Topic started by: Mac Attack on Mar 09, 2019, 07:48 PM
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I wrapped the 5 eyes on the top section of the rod.
No epoxy yet.
I want Jeff to inspect first.
I got better as I moved along, but still looks pretty amateurish.
No multi-color wraps for these few beginner rods I'm doing.
I want to keep things simple and don't want my flaws too obvious.
These are 6.5 foot graphite spinning rods.
I'll post pics as I move along.
Here's the first few pics I took of the top section.
No comments on the dirty stove please.
Or the floor.
;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/629qbtbq/IMG-2948.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/629qbtbq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bZkvzsKd/IMG-2949.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZkvzsKd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sMdV03vz/IMG-2950.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMdV03vz)
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Hey Bob...……...no Gorilla Glue.
8)
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Looks good Mac! Are you wrapping by hand?
Rg
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Looks good Mac! Are you wrapping by hand?
Rg
yup.
Jeff has a power wrapper, but I'm not good enough yet to even think about using it.
He gave me a wooden "V" wrapper he had laying around.
But it doesn't hold the rod tight and fast if I let go of it.
So if I need both hands to do something, the wraps come loose.
So I'm using his had wrapper setup.
I'll post a picture here in a few minutes.
My eyes are old.
I bought a jewelers headset.
But they don't work with my glasses.
Without, they work, but too sensitive.
My eyes are different.
My left eye is very weak.
So my eye glasses compensate for this.
End result is serious eye strain when doing anything like this.
So after I got done with wrapping 5 eyes I had to take a break.
An hour later I came back and wrapped the ferrule and the tip top.
We have to glue up the handle on the butt end of the blank before I can wrap the last two eyes on it.
It's coming along.
The first 3 rods of the 10 will be gifts.
I will sell the other 7.
I'm thinking about $35 each.
More than fair for a 6.5' graphite spinning rod.
Hand made, but not by a pro. ;D
Not a fancy rod with crazy decorative wraps.
Just a good little all around spinning rod.
Anyone interested in one pm me and I'll add you to the list.
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Here is a pic of the 2 wrappers I used.
The wooden one in the back will never get used again. lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/XG2LH5yX/IMG-2953.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XG2LH5yX)
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Here is the ferrule wrap and the tip top.
Tough to photo them clearly with a cell camera and holding both with 63 year old hands.
:D
They both look way better than the photos show.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ppM5NTYd/tip-top.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppM5NTYd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jnH5qHQS/ferrule-wrap.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jnH5qHQS)
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Here is a photo of the butt end with handle, reel seat, butt cap, etc. installed.
Nothing glued yet.
Also will wrap on a hook eye.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vc6RnYp5/IMG-2954.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vc6RnYp5)
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I will take better photos with a decent camera when I get this one finished in the next few days.
You can't even see the grey ring on the fore grip on the handle.
I am also installing a ferrule in front of the fore grip and will wrap that too.
They won't be ornate looking rods, just simple rods you can fish with.
I will probably keep one for myself, but I already have like 6+ rods like this. lol
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Looking great Mac.... :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie:
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Mac Attack thank you for sharing the photos of your first rod build. Looks very nice :thumbup_smilie: :clapping: . Definitely keep one of the rods to fish with or give to a grandchild if you have any will make them feel special and when they catch the first fish on your rod you will have a great memory. I see you and your son having many good times with this hobby.
Steve
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Mac Attack thank you for sharing the photos of your first rod build. Looks very nice :thumbup_smilie: :clapping: . Definitely keep one of the rods to fish with or give to a grandchild if you have any will make them feel special and when they catch the first fish on your rod you will have a great memory. I see you and your son having many good times with this hobby.
Steve
Thanks.
I have already bought my grandson 2 rods.
Didn't want to take anything away from them.
But we'll see.
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The handle, reel seat, and butt cap glued on the blank and clamped. Tomorrow I clean it up and sand it a little. Then wrap the winding check, 2 more eyes, and the hook loop onto it. Then things get epoxied to finish.
Making progress.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HrTT459X/6-AF6666-B-8695-4364-BA90-35865-C4-A24-C5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HrTT459X)
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The rod came out beautiful.
But I need to strip off 4 of the eyes.
Then reinstall 3 of them.
Mudhole posted bad info on the eye count and location.
The largest eye, closest to the handle, is just too close.
This will shorten casting distance significantly.
So now I need to remove one of the eyes and move 3 of them up one location.
Sux, but gotta be done.
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Rewrapped the eyes and just put on the first coat of epoxy.
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Looking good, Mac! Nice work. What kind of action do those blanks have?
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(https://i.postimg.cc/kV155K04/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kV155K04)
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Looking good, Mac! Nice work. What kind of action do those blanks have?
Unsure Greg.
They were a bulk buy.
I bent them and I feel they are a moderate to fast.
A nice rod for all around fishing I think.
Definitely sensitive enough for jig or perch fishing, but there is also enough backbone to cast for bass or pike with them.
They are very similar to a 2pc 6.5' Ugly Stick.
I have one and they bend very similar.
Only these don't have that glass 6" section on the tip that the Ugly stick has.
I estimated that I have $15-20 in materials in rod.
So $35 for one isn't bad I thought.
I've sold 2 already and have 4 reserved as gifts.
So there is 4 that are unspoken for currently.
I'm learning a lot and having some fun doing it.
And like
I said, I'm not doing it to sell them to make money.
But if I can sell a couple here and there to offset the hobby costs...……….
They would make a great Easter basket stuffer guys.
8)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/kV155K04/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kV155K04)
Sweet.
And you can watch youtube videos on how to wrap a rod while learning.
;)
You should see the disaster in my basement.
You would puke!
In an hour or so, I'm going to rectify that however.
Nice setup!
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Guys - I might as well post here.
Jeff has pretty much everything I need to do this hobby.
Still, when I move to Florida in 2 yrs I'll need my own gear.
And I don't want to buy new.
(I have 2 yrs to shop)
Anyway, if any of you out there have anything for rod building that you would like to turn to cash send me a PM.
Thanks.
Mac
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You missed it bud. I sold all of my stuff a couple years ago. Lathe, bench, tools, supplies, drying box etc....etc....etc.
Rg
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Bummer
Anyone else?
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Finished my first rod.
Came out fine.
Not perfect, but pretty darn good.
I stuck one of my Pflueger President XT model 30 on it.
Fits well with pretty decent balance.
Casts really nice and the line lays along the blank pretty true.
Only notchy between 2 eyes.
My next one I'm going to adjust the eye spacing slightly on the eyes to get the line to run even more smooth.
Here are some pics -
(https://i.postimg.cc/QVYCP4B9/IMG-2957.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVYCP4B9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qtGMGjV7/IMG-2958.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtGMGjV7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XG7N1d4k/IMG-2959.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XG7N1d4k)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Czfh2FTX/IMG-2960.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Czfh2FTX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R6F9LmLP/IMG-2961.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6F9LmLP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HchmSNST/IMG-2962.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HchmSNST)
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Nice
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Looking good for an old, blind man! lol Start thinking 7 foot bluegill/crappie jigging rod with a Tennessee style handle on it............... ;D
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Nice job Mac...
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Nice work Mac Attack if you are keeping the rod may you catch many fish with it.
Steve
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Thanks guys.
This rod is a gift for one of the owners where I work.
He's an avid smallie fisherman.
So I thought he would enjoy the rod.
Greg - slow down there mister.
:laugh:
Let's get your rod built and then if you like it we can talk.
I'm really not interested in doing fancy wraps and building high end rods.
I just want to do something simpler and more utilitarian.
But we can get VERY creative.
My son Jeff turns high end real seats for people.
He designed and built a vacuum chamber that draws colored resin into 2x2 blanks of wood.
He turns them down on a lathe and then does the other work to shape it for the reel with a router and other machines.
All different kinds of wood.
The resin accents the grain and protects the wood from ever rotting.
Really cool stuff.
Here's a shot of the 2x2 pcs he created for my 2 rods he is building.
(https://i.postimg.cc/mtY12ksf/IMG-2248.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mtY12ksf)
And here is the first of the 2 rods he is building, the 7' walleye jigging rod.
The red rings in it and the butt are the same wood.
Don't laugh at the size of the walleye. (or my belly)
It was the first one I caught with my new rod that my son built for me.
That eye could have been 40" and I would not have been any happier.
(https://i.postimg.cc/PCLxvqG5/IMG-2431.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PCLxvqG5)
Anyway Greg, we can do something special if you want.
But baby steps first my friend.
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That's very cool.
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:thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: I don't need special. A sensitive handle, fast tip, backbone, and plain black wraps. I love "Plain Jane". Some day next winter when you have nothing to do but dream of Florida to come, you'll take it on because that's who you are. I have faith. ;D
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:thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: I don't need special. A sensitive handle, fast tip, backbone, and plain black wraps. I love "Plain Jane". Some day next winter when you have nothing to do but dream of Florida to come, you'll take it on because that's who you are. I have faith. ;D
Right!
;)
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Very nice gift,the colored resins add a nice touch to the rod handle . Looking at the photos posted here and on Ice Shanty by rod builders there are some very skilled people making rods the fancy guide wrappings due add to a rods look but really do not afeect how the rod will preform.
Steve
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(https://i.postimg.cc/DJczZtd0/IMG-0195.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJczZtd0)
I know it's a float rod but is that kinda the style handle your looking for Greg? I did this one for a buddy this past fall
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(https://i.postimg.cc/DJczZtd0/IMG-0195.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJczZtd0)
I know it's a float rod but is that kinda the style handle your looking for Greg? I did this one for a buddy this past fall
Hey!
GTF outta my deal with Greg.
8)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/DJczZtd0/IMG-0195.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJczZtd0)
I know it's a float rod but is that kinda the style handle your looking for Greg? I did this one for a buddy this past fall
Yes, obviously sized and more tapered at the top for a light panfish rod. In fact, if Dad can do that on the rod he's making me some day, i'd be happier yet. Great looking float rod. If I figure out how to cast my center pin some day and actually catch fish with it, I'd be interested in one like that. Nice work!!!
Hey!
GTF outta my deal with Greg.
8)
:rotflol: :rotflol: :rotflol: :rotflol: :rotflol: :rotflol:
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Greg
I think you will like these blanks I’m using for panfish.
They are a fast action.
Medium wt.
The entire blank is pretty thin and the tip is VERRY sensitive.
When it’s finished decide.
If it’s not what you want/need let’s look at another instead.
But these blanks were super cheap at the expo.
Hence the $35 I’m charging.
We did 4 handles last night.
I will probably get them and the reel seats epoxied to the rod blanks tonight.
Then I can begin wrapping the eyes and the finish work.
Your rod is one of these 4
My goal is to finish all 4 in the next couple weeks.
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Greg
I think you will like these blanks I’m using for panfish.
They are a fast action.
Medium wt.
The entire blank is pretty thin and the tip is VERRY sensitive.
When it’s finished decide.
If it’s not what you want/need let’s look at another instead.
But these blanks were super cheap at the expo.
Hence the $35 I’m charging.
We did 4 handles last night.
I will probably get them and the reel seats epoxied to the rod blanks tonight.
Then I can begin wrapping the eyes and the finish work.
Your rod is one of these 4
My goal is to finish all 4 in the next couple weeks.
I'm sure it'll be fine and I'll have a lot of fun with it. ;D
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I've been really busy at work and other things the past few weeks.
So the rods took a back seat.
But today I glued up the handles on the next 4 rods.
Greg - one of these is yours.
Tomorrow I will begin wrapping the guides on them while I watch the Masters.
However, I need to go to the trailer as they are moving it back into place at 10am.
So I will miss a bit of it.
Hopefully not too much.
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I've been really busy at work and other things the past few weeks.
So the rods took a back seat.
But today I glued up the handles on the next 4 rods.
Greg - one of these is yours.
Tomorrow I will begin wrapping the guides on them while I watch the Masters.
However, I need to go to the trailer as they are moving it back into place at 10am.
So I will miss a bit of it.
Hopefully not too much.
8) 8) 8)
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8) 8) 8)
Today, I wrap guides.
But cannot wrap the butt sections until later tonight.
The epoxy needs 24 hrs.
No matter.
I have 4 end sections to wrap first.
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Modified my spool tensioner with a short pc of ice fishing rod. I’m waiting for the 5 minute epoxy to harden. Been 15-20 minutes and it’s still tacky. Lol
It’s ok.
Tiger is playing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vcdBLm8Y/4893-B06-D-EB6-E-4879-BD11-49-EA6-C952002.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vcdBLm8Y)
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Got 2 top sections wound and the first coat of epoxy onto the wraps.
On the rotary driers and I’ll put on the 2nd finish coat tomorrow night.
Then on Tuesday maybe I’ll get working on and finish the butt sections.
Hope to get both these rods complete by the end of the week. These 2 are purchased rods for my friend Jon and my better friend Greg.
These are super little rods.
The first one I built cast really well and it had excellent sensitivity. A really good all around rod for anything from panfish to bass and walleyes. And it has enough backbone to handle an occasional midsize pike.
(https://i.postimg.cc/v1SqSXmy/5-EDE407-E-2-F57-44-F1-BF85-50597228088-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v1SqSXmy)
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Throw that lighter away and get an alcohol lamp.
Rg
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Throw that lighter away and get an alcohol lamp.
Rg
I have an alcohol bottle.
The lighter Is used to light it.
It also heats the eye before I stick it into the glue stick. That fixes the foot to the blank and holds it while wrapping. Easier than masking tape.
Effin rookie!
;)
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Doing pretty well on these 2 rods.
The top sections are finished.
And I turned the handle on one butt section and got the eye, hook stay, and winding check wound and epoxied with the first coat.
The 2nd rod I got the winding and epoxy done but still need to turn the handle.
I'll turn that 2nd handle tomorrow night and put the second coat of epoxy on both and they will be finished Thursday night.
Maybe some last minute cleanup and finish work on them.
Then they go to their new owners.
Let me know how we're going to do this Greg.
BTW, I'm getting better.
But it will be a while before I'm as good as Jeff.
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Effin rookie!
;)
Lmao
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Just sanded the handle on the butt section and applied the 2nd coat of epoxy to the windings on both.
These two are done...…...after they rotate and dry overnight.
Greg - give me a shout so we can hook up and get you your new rod.
I'll bring both of these and let you chose which one you like best.
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Just sanded the handle on the butt section and applied the 2nd coat of epoxy to the windings on both.
These two are done...…...after they rotate and dry overnight.
Greg - give me a shout so we can hook up and get you your new rod.
I'll bring both of these and let you chose which one you like best.
:thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie:
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Rod looks great, Mac! Paired it with a 2000 frame Shimano reel and 6 lb Suffix Hi-Vis. Can't wait to fling some roadrunners with it. Should be a great all purpose rod and it's the right size to live in the truck full time. Great to see you and Donna and thanks again for lunch. Was great to catch up.
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Glad you liked it.
Yup. It has imperfections, but I'm getting better.
Should fish really well.
And yup, it will probably be an awesome all around truck rod.
Super to see you and Mike.
Thanks.
Letcherworth was great time.
Spent like 3+ hrs there.
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Jeff gave me a Pacific Bay chuck for my rod lathe. A better chuck than the one that came with the lathe but the jaws don’t stay closed at higher RPM’s. So I modified it with a set screw lock it up and keep the jaws secure. Jaws don’t open as wide as his lathe but I’ve got some ideas on how to fix that too.
(https://i.postimg.cc/w14M7yQp/3-F7-B2-A1-C-4-B7-F-4245-B33-D-95-AFFCF6-E3-BD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w14M7yQp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2qP57st9/B5-F5-CE0-B-4986-4-DFC-AFAA-12-E8-F8090-A5-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qP57st9)
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Seems you built a really crappie rod..........
(https://i.postimg.cc/21FP7WJP/IMG-4722.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/21FP7WJP)
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Seems you built a really crappie rod..........
(https://i.postimg.cc/21FP7WJP/IMG-4722.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/21FP7WJP)
BOOM!!!
You sure didn’t wait very long to use it to put a hurtin on that slab.
Hope it worked well.
How is the sensitivity Greg?
Is it indeed a good jigging rod?
How about a little review.
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I'd call it a medium power with a medium action. I was throwing 1/16 oz. roadrunners on the 6 lb mono for good distance and accuracy. I switched up to a 1/8 oz. tip up jig tipped with a Slider grub and fished deep rocks to test the sensitivity. It cast the heavier jig better and the sensitivity was good. I caught a couple dozen LMB, two big crappie (13.5 and 14"), and a few nice gills on the RR's. When I went deep I got into smallies and perch. Biggest smallie went 18". The rod handled it well with the tip loading first then a nice parabolic bend into the backbone. I'm very pleased with it. It is a fine all-purpose rod. I'm sure it will dropshot well and handle much bigger fish with no problem.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SXSHTsbj/IMG-4724.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXSHTsbj)
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Thanks for the review Greg.
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Thanks for the review Greg.
............and it made a great bullhead rod this morning....while YOU were working. :rotflol: :rotflol: :rotflol:
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Ok
Enough rest time
I’m back at it.
I have 2 rods that must be completed in next 2 weeks.
The butt ends are done, save the winding check, hook loop, and the only eye on that section. Lots of winding and epoxy ahead of me.
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Put some more time in tonight while watching the Stanley Cup.
Got the second coat of epoxy on both rod ends.
Next I'll tackle the butt ends of each rod.
Have to wrap one guide, the hook stay and the winding check on each.
These 2 are already spoken for.
The remaining 5 have one spoken for.
Tonight I ordered some materials for those.
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Back at it.
Wound the large eye onto the butt section........
.........before putting on the winding check.
Doh!
:o
Razor to the windings, install the check, and then rewind that eye.
Second butt section -
Winding check installed, NOW I’ll wind the eye on.
Lol
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I don't like the way the epoxy looks on the butt sections.
Going to sit them out in the UV for the day so it hardens up more.
Then wet sand them down and apply another coat.
I had 2 top sections I had to "repair" like this that had too much epoxy and it worked well.