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Author Topic: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod  (Read 17337 times)

typhoon

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Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« 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











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Sr SQ

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #1 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?
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typhoon

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #2 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.


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Sr SQ

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #3 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?
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typhoon

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #4 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.
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Sr SQ

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #5 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!
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Valley Custom Rods

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2013, 10:51:10 AM »
Outstanding workman ship as always. I suspect it's new owner is very pleased.
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Float Drowner

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #7 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?
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My Biggest worry is that when I'm dead and gone, my wife will sell my fishing gear for what I told her I paid for it!

typhoon

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Re: Batson XST Steelhead/Salmon Levelwind Rod
« Reply #8 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.
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