Hi Matt,
Can I give you my honest opinion - being a who has never built a rod.
1) I think some fancy calligraphic transfers would have been a cool touch - didn't Mike post some examples from 'the rod builder'.
2) Would it have been possible to test the rod with various counterweights before the rubberised end cap was glued on? then secure them inside the rubberised cork end cap prior to final glueing? or does the whole handle (cork) have to be glued as a unit? Did the whole bolt go into the handle? that's a bit of boltage! if so could it contact the blank if it were seriously flexed?
3) That's some serious finish on the rod though Matster, like the 1,2 & 3 silver open wraps on the top three joints denoting which section it is - I think I'd manage to assemble the rod without those though but it just shows your thought, skill & attention to detail.
4) like the Honesty Mark & it would be a nice touch on some trout rods @ say 12" & 20" for example.
5) Lose the fly retainer
All in all I bet it's nice to fish with and you should be pleased.
All we need now is some water and a run of fish!
Well Done Mat
Iain
Iain,
You are entitled to your opinion and you raise a few wee points that I haven't explained very well.
1. I prefer to paint it on myself but if one was to go professional then the decals that Catman used on his last builds would definately be the way forward.
2. The end cap isn't glued on. It will unscrew to add more or less mass as is required. And you're right 4" is probably longer than I need. I plan to get a 2" bolt and trim it exactly to size. The 4" bolt will be kept for the future for when I get one of those gucci reels you have for much cheapness when you're finished with it. I plan to file off the threads and sand the end smooth too, I can't really see the last 4" of the butt section deflecting so much that it damages the blank but when it snaps I'll let you say I told you so.
3. In my opinion if I'm going to make a custom rod then I want it to look like a custom or else I would have gone and got a mackenzie or century or some other toy.
4. I plan to put an honesty mark on the next rod I make for the trout.
5. This one may be my last!
Be interested in seeing how that handle on the bottom end feels when casting. Personally I like quite a thin handle on a DH rod as it allows me to feel the blank more when casting but the picture of your hand wrapped around the lower end looks as if it may work quite well despite it looking like a butt plug.
I measured the handle on my Partridge and the max OD on the bottom grip is 33mm going down to 26mm, the "Butt plug" is 34mm going down to 21mm. It just looks larger than it is.
Oh and Irvine and Sandy the words "Sh*t f*ck B*gger w*nk" were heard quite a few times whilst doing the wraps.....
Cheers
Matt