Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Rod Building => Topic started by: typhoon on September 22, 2013, 06:58:09 PM

Title: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: typhoon on September 22, 2013, 06:58:09 PM

I built this one for one of my fishing buddies. Due to work committments it has taken over 6 months to complete it. It's obviously not perfect, but I'm pretty happy with it.
Blank: Batson XST1263F 2pc - titanium chrome finish

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/full_grip.jpg)

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/logo2.jpg)

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/hook_keeper.jpg)

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/ferrule.jpg)

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/stripper.jpg)

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/simple.jpg)

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: Sr SQ on September 22, 2013, 07:54:54 PM

Very nice job, I really like the colour combo and those grips look awesome!
Where do you get the cork from?

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: typhoon on September 23, 2013, 06:41:17 AM

Cork is combination of rubberized rings from Andy at rodbuildersupplies, light burl from Mark at Valley Rods, and light burl cork block from Mudhole.
(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album917/grips.jpg)

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: Sr SQ on September 23, 2013, 07:02:13 PM

Cool, thanks.
Does the rubberized and burl cork sand like reg cork or is it tougher to shape?
Do you use a chisel/gouge or the likes on the square block, I cant imagine just going at it with sandpaper?

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: typhoon on September 25, 2013, 08:54:25 AM

Burl cork is definitely harder than real cork and you do need to be careful at the seams when transitioning.
I use hardwood blocks and curves with sandpaper and make sure that the block stays square at the seams.
This was my first time using cork blocks - I used a gouge to round it off before switching to sandpaper. It can be done with sandpaper (40 grit) but it would take longer and produce more dust.

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: Sr SQ on September 25, 2013, 07:21:15 PM

Yeah I wasnt sure if the cork would tear out with a gouge.
Again great looking job!

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: Valley Custom Rods on September 29, 2013, 10:51:10 AM

Outstanding workman ship as always. I suspect it's new owner is very pleased.

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: Float Drowner on September 30, 2013, 05:10:55 PM

Beautifully done build.  Where did you get the sticker that says Patience with your logo?  Is it a clear sticker?

Title: Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
Post by: typhoon on September 30, 2013, 05:16:26 PM

Quote from: Float Drowner on September 30, 2013, 05:10:55 PM

Beautifully done build.  Where did you get the sticker that says Patience with your logo?  Is it a clear sticker?

I printed it on an inkjet printer using clear waterslide decal material.
On a normal (dark) blank you need to add shiny material underneath the sticker in order to see the text/graphics, but the XST titanium finish gives the logo a nice subtle look with black print.