Hey all... I am working on two projects that require extending the butt sections of existing rods to make switch casting possible. I don't like any of the detachable butt systems that I see as I think they would place too much strain on a very small section of the rod, so I want to extend the butts by 3-4 inches with graphite blank pieces. Trying find a source or sources (scraps, broken rods, other)? Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks Steve Cole Lower Yakima Valley
Check on ebay. Here's one example. Actually a few pop up now and then. Search for broken fly rod, broken fly blank, etc. Also, even though it looks like your in Prosser, Ed's Surplus store in Lynnwood, WA often sells used fly rods and partial fly rods...broken...etc. Always call before hand and prevent a wasted trip, they are also good for reel parts...lots of medalists, sa reel parts...big basket, but mixed in with convential gear parts too. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ST-CROIX-IM...ltDomain_0&hash=item5d313ab3e1#ht_1372wt_1108
You might try contacting a rod manufacturer and see if they have some rejects laying around they might part with. You could give them an idea of what size you need too. I think you can buy sections of graphite rods to make custom grip reamers too from some of the rod parts suppliers. Mike
Hello Steve. I have graphite and fiberglass available. It's fun to extend rods with those extra pieces. Whichever you want I'll send them your way. I can only measure with a tape, but that should do. The graphite is from a six weight. I expect the butt section would work just fine. The fiberglass is of greater diameter than the graphite. Be glad to send you a couple six or eight inch sections that you could cut to size. Be my pleasure. Paul
Thanks fellas for the feedback and leads, and Rockthief, thanks again for the offer of some sections! Steve Cole
Google R B Meiser (Medford, Or) and Burkheimer (Washougal, Washington) rods. Their warranties are GOLD so they do get their rods back in a few more bits and pieces for repair on occasion. Ship Happens ... :>( Odds are good they have what you need. Fred
Hi there rocktheif, I'm actually retrofitting a 6wt XP with a flighting butt and could also use a bit of scrap to extend the butt section, if by chance you have a few pieces available. Let me know. Thanks so much, Dave
As was mentioned above by Tom, a wood dowel will work just fine for your butt extension and is really easy to do.
I wouldn't use a wooden dowel or arrow shaft for a removable rear grip. You need a stuffer that fits exactly to the blank. At Angler's Workshop we used to get tons of scrap from Lamiglas. I made a microskagit from scrape pieces from Lami. The stuffer needs to fit like another section of the blank. Before I glued the reel seat, I wrapped a section to reinforce the butt end . If you're down in Woodland, I would stop into Lami and find a piece that fits exactly. Actually, I would call them first.
