Can anyone convert a rod?

[ss454]

I was thinking about how much I love my Spidershaft casting rod and have been trying to find another one with no luck and then I remembered I actually have a Spidershaft spinning rod that's missing the tip section (it's still 2" longer than my casting rod) but otherwise looks brand new. Is there any way to have someone convert this spinning rod to a casting rod and would it cost more than it's worth? I want it set up just like my other rod (6 double foot eyes + tip) I'm not worried about the lack of trigger unless one can be added without much hassle. The blanks are identical other than the trigger.


Modified by ss454 at 3:49 PM 11/1/2006

[Captain Dan]

I did the same thing this spring. I had a spinning rod that I loved for crank baits so I tore it down and made a casting rod out of it. Never again, the time I spent with the real seat and handle was not worth it. It may be for you if you can't find that blank. Good luck if you take it on.

Dan

[ss454]

Well the reel seat and handle is identical to the casting rod except for the trigger.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Mitchell-S...wItem

The reel is tightened down with the handle and the trigger is made into the metal ring that seats the back of the reel on the casting rod. Other than that they are identical...I already checked to see if it would be alright sans the trigger and it was great...

[jimmy7]

if you dont care about the trigger, then it is just a matter of finding someone to install, wrap, and finish the guides. probably should cost you around $40 total depending on the quality of guides that you choose

[RonsRodShop]

The only thing wrong with that scenario is the guides are gonna be on the wrong side of the spine. Its a fairly easy job if ya have a Dremel tool as with everything in rod building " don't get in a hurry and use sharp blades "
Give it a shot you can do it.


Ron

[jimmy7]

no offense, but i dont think a spine is going to be noticable on that rod... assuming the factory actually measured and built on the spine correctly, which is a HUGE assumption because i dont really know of any factories that do... and of course we get into the debate of what is the correct way to build on the spine :)

[ss454]

I don't think this rod has a spine...it's identical to the casting rod which leaves me to believe they were identical blanks just finished for spinning and casting.

[ss454]

This might be easier than I thought...rod is stripped and ready to be cleaned. What do you use to get off the residue from the epoxy? There's not much left but I don't want to just leave it on there.

Any tips to putting on new guides and a recomendation for a new guide set. I'd like 7-8 guides and a tip. Not trying to spend a lot but the Fuji Hardloys don't seem too expensive. Also what else do I need besides nylon thread and epoxy (I have both)? Also how to keep the epoxy uniform?

[ss454]

Ok well I ordered a set of Fuji Hardloy low profile guides for this blank. I got Tip-6 6-6-6-8-8-10-12. I can't wait to get to work! As easily as this small project is going I might just have the bug and build a whole rod...

[jimmy7]

have you ever wrapped on guides before? it really isnt too difficult...

as for removing epoxy, try heat from a hair dryer... that usually does a good job of loosening the epoxy and allows you to scratch it off with a fingernail

[ss454]

This will be my first guide replacement job and I'm nervous about needing a low rpm motor to rotate my work as it dries. I don't want the epoxy to run...any suggestions on a cheap low rpm motor? I've already thought about an christmas ornament turner but don't know where ours is at right now. I'd love some other options. I built a nice little rack for my rod to turn in today I just need something to turn it...


I bet I can make one of these work...

http://www.christmaslightsetc....D=756


Modified by ss454 at 4:04 PM 10/24/2006

[jglenn]

gotten several low RPM motors from here

http://www.surpluscenter.com/s...=GIAR


then you can build your own rod drying fixture.

if you search on Ebay under rod building you can find lots of examples to purchase or just get ideas from

http://sporting-goods.listings...mList

[RonsRodShop]

I have found over the last 30 plus years of building rods that if built off the spine it will effect casting accuracy. Would you or i know the difference probably not were just chuckin baits at bass or walleye and close is usually good enough now that being said a fly fisherman thats trying to drop a size 22 nymph on a quarter for that very fussy rising 2 or 3 lb Brown he would know the difference. Good Luck to ya and let us know how you make out.

Ron

[ss454]

You are the frickin MAN! I'm ordering one now...thanks!

[jimmy7]

i built my own dryer from a 30 rpm gear motor like those listed above... i bought two motors because they were so cheap... however after 2 years and months of having it run, i still am on my first motor

also, if you can find someone local that has some building experience, it will help a TON. I read a bunch of books and crap, but until i sat down with a builder for about 10 minutes, it helped me a TON! also, there are a bunch of good dvd's out there now about building

[ss454]

I went with the 3RPM motor because I'll be useing a really thick consistency epoxy and I'll be applying it while it turns. 30 seemed a bit too fast for what I want.

[jimmy7]

3 rpm is REALLY SLOW!!! honestly, i think you might find it difficult to evenly spread out the epoxy with such a slow rpm... not to mention you might start running out of the pot life of epoxy by the time you are getting towards the end of adding finish to the guides!

[ss454]

I am a mechanical wonder so I might just gear it up (actually I already though about this)

[Tackdriver]

The spline is no problem converting casting to spinning on a bass rod. It can be at 000` or 180` not in between.
Just make sure the spinning blank has enough power in the first 2/3's of the blank to make an effective bass casting rod. Most do not nor is the tip as fast as it should be.

The hardest part is getting the old guides off properly. You cab use a BIC lighter if you are careful with heat application. Clean up with M.E.K.

Use Gudebrod"A" thread colored to match other rod.
Use Heavy Build Flex Coat to finish the wraps.
For one rod you don't need a dryer. Cut two notches in a cardboard box and rotate the rod every 10 minutes for 1st hour. every 15 minutes second hour.

If you live in St. Louis I can do it for you for about $40.00-$50.00 depending on the guides you choose.

I build/repair about 100 rods a year

Tackdriver

[ss454]

I really appreciate the advise. I'm already set to put the guides on. The motor already came in so now all I have to do is fix up a chuck (have an easy idea for this) I'm going to take a piece of couch foam and fit it into a PVC end cap fitted to the motor and cut a slit in it and shove the butt of the rod into it. It will grip easily and not slip. I already have a set of Fuji hardloy guides ready to wrap. I've been doing more fishing than anything so I haven't had a chance to do anything yet. As far as the action this blank is exactly the same as my casting Spidercast so I think it's going to be fine. If it's really light that would actually be better since I don't have a dedicated drop shot rod yet...maybe I will!