got the handle done

[CustomRodFan]

Mounted the handle today. I bought some 15 minute Threadmaster Epoxy in North Carolina last month and used it on this one. This product is the real deal. Rock solid in just minutes. The guy from Rod Bond (U-40) also gave me a test sample of some 10 minute epoxy they got coming out soon. So, good to see the manfrs bringing some product to market that doesn't make us wait overnight...

At any rate, here is a picture. It a St Croix Legend Elite blank (SC V) Green one I had left over.

Harvey how'd the class go? Lets see some picts of the build you are doing. What does everyone else have going on?

[crazyice]

Right now I have a Musky rod in the works and a Medium Fast Pike rod that I am rebuilding for a buddy. The first one gave way to a 45-50 incher up on Reindeer Lake. St. Croix was great to deal with for warranty I might add.

[harvey lee]

Class went great today. Back tomorrow and maybe Friday again. I can see where I will be building maybe more rods than I need. Already planning on #2 for Flathead fishing and then a new crappie rod.

[muc33]

I hear ya Tom, I was gonna build one and now I have 3 on order. As a guy I know says...... " Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing!" Words to live by I guess!

[crazyice]

Here is the handle on that musky rod.

[311Hemi]

Crazy...that handle is SWEET!

What's it made of...and how did you get that inlay on it?

[so haaad]

Very nice guys. Crazyice, am I correct assuming that's an ice rod, and is the handle made of burl maple?

[upnorth]

They sell decals. I have a few, just don't use them that often.

[CustomRodFan]

Crazy, is that a Dan Fryer handle? I see you are from Rochester so I am putting 2 and 2 together...

He has made some for me and does great work.

What you see in that handle is actually lazer work if it is Dan's work.

[crazyice]

CustomRodFan:

Indeed it is Dan Fryer's handiwork. He also taught me most of what I know about rod building. And yes that musky is actually lazered into the handle. It is not an ice rod, that handle in the photo is about a foot long. It is actually only the rear grip. And it is soft maple with burl and birdseye in it. Looks like not much before you apply the epoxy to it. I haven't epoxied the foregrip yet, before I do, I will post a pic with both laying side by side so you all can see the difference.

[CustomRodFan]

Crazyice, Dan is one great guy. Means what he says and says what he means. A great guy to deal with and builds some nice wood handles for us rod dudes to use.... If any builders like what they see in wood handles google Dan and look him up. Never have I had an order from Dan go array. He is spot on.

Drowned Minnow- I see you are from Breezy Point. Your back yard holds one of, if the the best, rod builders certainly in Minnesota and maybe places beyond for that matter. Kris Kristufek is a guy that rod builders need to meet. This man has done a ton for this craft and has forgotten more than most will ever learn. Know of him Drowned Minnow?

For those who are thinking of taking a rod building class and would not mind some lodging expense, Kris would be one I would put on the list to explore. Every time he takes my phone call I am that much luckier and certainly a better builder becuase of it.

[upnorth]

 Quote:

And yes that musky is actually lazered into the handle.

Wow!! That is pretty cool.

[drowned minnow]

Custom: Handle looks GREAT, man that Burl sure is tuff to sand. Yes took one of his classes in late 90's, great person and teacher, not sure if he still does classes though but will check.

See your around GR, I've got a place by Talmoon but haven't used much last couple years so up for sale.

See you went to High Point, I keep trying but haven't had my priorities inorder. (self employed 22yrs. but know retiring) How was the clean up with that new epoxy?You making that one for yourself? What colors did you or are going to wrap it with? I twisted a SC V couple years back and really like the feel, see if i can post pics later.

Crazyice: Like that Birds Eye, one of these days going to get lathe (have some old growth maple, birch, white pine and ash) that would make some nice handles. How are you setting the guides up for that rod? (Spiral wrap or conventional)

[crazyice]

I agree, Dan is a down to earth guy that just loves what he does and enjoys showing others. Him and his son-in-law (Matt) do some classes for a couple of the high schools in town here, and just have a great time doing it. In fact one of my first rods, I went to his shop just to check things out, maybe thinking that I would order one, and before I knew it I had been there 5 hours, and was well into building a rod! I love that rod! It is a St. Croix Legend Elite with a three piece oak handle with a pike and my name engraved into it, with holographic titanium ceramic guides. Again, I will post some pics when I get a chance.