Tuna Rod Build Start to Finish

[shoefish]

Okay, so now the rod is ready to mock up with the guides so I can figure out how much room I have for the abalone.

Here are the components of the rod ready for the mock up


The first thing I'm going to do is use a rod that I built with the same blank as a basic indicator of where I'll place the wind-ons. More precise placement will happen later, but this is good for basic layout. Once you have the general area, use masking tape to secure the guides.


Next I want to make sure that under load there are no spots that the line will come in contact with either the blank or the foregrip. To do this I put the rod on the blank, strung it, and pulled on a couple weights I had laying around.


Notice that I am using a total of 6 guides on this rod (the stripping guide, the tip top, and 4 in between).


I'm not sure, but I may not do 6 guides, so I'm going to mock it up with 5...


This seems to do just as well, and with one less guide there is more snap to the rod. I'm wondering if anyone has any feedback on the number of guides and what they think would be better?

Either way I go, the stripping guide is in roughly the same spot, so I can measure that up. The space from the foregrip to the stripping guide foot is 2". Now this is the first time that I've worked with Abalone, so I've been running though my head trying to figure out just how I'd measure the size and shape of the piece of shell that I'd need. This is the simplest thing that I though of, but I'm sure that there are those of you who might have a better way. If you do, please share.

What I did is used a piece of light weight cardboard (it was actually the top from a box of envelopes) and cut it in a 2" strip. Then I wrapped it around the blank and marked the top


and bottom of where the pieces intersect.


Then after connecting the dots I had a little template that I traced out on the shell. This piece is now sitting in white vinegar "softening" up a bit so I can attempt to put it on the rod later.


This could get interesting....

[dunn6253]

Thanks for the updates shoe, keep em rolling. I would also like to hear some input on five guides vs six. I think im going to attempt to build a rod after you finish this up, just so I can see a start to finish of one being done. Also, thankyou for the price/part list. I can't wait to see these put to some use.

[clt_capt]

Originally Posted by shoefish

I might end up doing that too- this is the first time I've worked with it, and boy is it fragile. I have a feeling that there is a steep learning curve, so it may get easier, but for now I don't know how I'll get it to wrap around small diameters without breaking into a ton of pieces and looking awful.

I thought the same thing the first time I worked with it - especially when I put it on the rod. The cracks are there, but after a couple of coats of epoxy only you and your hairdresser will know that the cracks are there

Once you take it out of the vineagar, using a small metal rod
as a rolling pin, and a computer mouse pad, roll the abalone (sticky side up) - you will find that it curls as it cracks

One thing that worked incredibly well for me is once I put the shell on the rod, I wrapped it with rigging floss - it pulled the shell really tight to the blank.

I sort of cheated on the template - I used Purple 3M Masking tape - wrapped around the blank - once I built up a good thickness, I slit it with a razor knife and viola - a template.

I just stuck that on the sticky side and marked it with a permanent marker. Then I cut on the OUTSIDE of the line - that way I have just a little overlap...

Good luck and keep up the great thread!!!

[chumtini]

Looking good Shoe! Re. 5 vs 6 guides, I'm no expert by any stretch other than I've broken a rod or two Looking at the pic and how the rod loads, I'd say 6. With 5, the bulk of the load is on one roller. But with 6, your splitting the load onto two. I agree, the rod footprint with those big foots will affect the rod action, especially with those short rods. And since weight doesn't seem to matter much...

But, like I said. I'm no expert here. Just my opinion.

Question on the abalone around the guides...will it crack?

[chumtini]

Looking good Shoe! Re. 5 vs 6 guides, I'm no expert by any stretch other than I've broken a rod or two Looking at the pic and how the rod loads, I'd say 6. With 5, the bulk of the load is on one roller. But with 6, your splitting the load onto two. I agree, the rod footprint with those big foots will affect the rod action, especially with those short rods. And since weight doesn't seem to matter much...

But, like I said. I'm no expert here. Just my opinion.

A couple questions: Will the abalone around the guides crack? Why short bent butts vs straight.

[shoefish]

Okay, so today was the day of truth for the abalone. I tried yesterday to put on the abalone, and it cracked really bad. I was very frustrated. I decided to try something new and put two new pieces in the vinegar, and put them up in the attic where it was hot. They soaked overnight, and then this afternoon I was ready to try again.

Here is the piece right out of the vinegar


I tried the "standard" way of wrapping the shell around a cylinder and pre-breaking it. It looked pretty good.


Then I decided to do something new. I washed it under the hot water, but this time I used really hot water. Hot to the point that I could barely stand to keep my hand under the water. Then I Pulled the backing off of one half of the piece. Starting at the middle (and in line with the spine), I used two fingers and pressed as hard as I could with two fingers and moved them in opposite directions- one toward the tip and one toward the butt.


I slowly worked my way around the blank until it was complete. Then I peeled the second half off and worked that half. What I found is that as I worked it around slowly, that it bent- it didn't break. I was psyched, and can't wait to get some flex coat on this to see what it looks like. It already looks great not having the broken shell marks.


Next step, figuring out how many guides and starting the under wraps.

[hunt4fish]

This is one of the best threads I've read in a while.Very cool Shoe,keep the updates coming.

[shoefish]

Thanks for the comments and questions guys, I hope that others will jump in as well.

Chum, you asked about the cracking and about the bent vs straight. In terms of the cracking, I'm planning on putting the shell where the butt wrap would normally be, so there is minimal flex in that part of the rod (as compared to the tip), so I'm thinking that cracking shouldn't be a problem. I'll be sure to let you know either way.

Bent vs. Straight is a personal preference up until a certain class of fish. When fighting the small to medium size bluefin, it's really what the angler is most comfortable with. Once you get up in size though, bent butt should really be considered as it gives the angler more leverage, and places most of the work in the legs of the angler as opposed to the lower back- making battles with bigger fish more sustainable.

Thanks for the feedback on the number of guides- anyone else have any feedback?

[chumtini]

Originally Posted by shoefish

I plan on using it for the butt wrap, and then a very thin strip under the guides- maybe a 1/4" strip.

I have no problem around the butt wrap. But what about up around the guides? Is the 1/4" strip around the guide/wrap or above/below the legs?

wrt to the butts (straight vs bent), I'll hit you up on a PM. I think it's out of context here.

BTW the abalone from plan B is Looking Good!

[Dorymate2530]

Great thread Shoe!!!!

Where are you getting your parts from??