Allen Xa 8'6" 5wt build.

[Fredy]

The blank was donated by Allen Fly Fishing and the components were donated by JS Fly Fishing: Fly Tying Materials, Rod Building Supplies & More
This rod will be used for a future fund raiser for Ridge and Valley TU.

I like the blank so much that i purchased a second one for my self and son to use.

 

[Trout Guy]

Those inlays looks awesome! Glad to see its going to a good cause :thumb:

 

[Fredy]

Thanks. I purchased the Ginger barred hackle to match up with the gold accent wraps and the jungle cock.

Fredy

 

[LyNcH]

That looks real nice! I too think your inlay came out great. They're a pain in the ass aren't they?

Nice to see another builder on the site. Keep them coming!

 

[Fredy]

Thanks. I will have to look up pics of my other builds;
Sage Z-axis 7wt switch
IM6 11' 4wt "The Dirty Nympher"

Currently working on a Sage VXP 10' 5wt

The inlays actually are not to bad. As long as you soak the feather(s) in color preserver, then they are easy to apply and if you screw up just take warm water to it and wipe it off. I have not put them over wraps like some builders do just to avoid getting preserver on my threads. I have seen the color preserver create a barrier between the epoxy and the blank making it a weak spot.

Fredy

 

[LyNcH]

Thanks. I will have to look up pics of my other builds;
Sage Z-axis 7wt switch
IM6 11' 4wt "The Dirty Nympher"

Currently working on a Sage VXP 10' 5wt

The inlays actually are not to bad. As long as you soak the feather(s) in color preserver, then they are easy to apply and if you screw up just take warm water to it and wipe it off. I have not put them over wraps like some builders do just to avoid getting preserver on my threads. I have seen the color preserver create a barrier between the epoxy and the blank making it a weak spot.

Fredy

I usually lay down a heavy layer of color preserver on the blank and place the feather down and then put more preserver on with a very soft brush. I will try soaking them next time.

Interesting comment about the preserver and threads. I have always used the preserver on threads only because that is what I was taught, but always thought the newer threads won't bleed anyways. Next build I will try no preserver on the threads as is tends to darken them up a shade or 2.

Show us your progress pics as you go, let's get this section as active as the builders are on this forum!

 

[Fredy]

There are threads out there that are "color preserved" and do not need any additional (forgot brand) I am using that thread on the Sage I am building now (came with the kit I purchased) I will try and take before and after pics.

I do not put preserver on the blank, it tend to leave streak marks which can be seen in the sunlight. I just take the inlay and lay it in the preserver to soak. I then use a pair of tweezers and a bodkin to apply on the blank. Then I smooth it out with a soft paint brush.

I prefer the look of the thread matching the blank. I am not partial to different colored thread wraps like a saltwater stick other than some accent wraps.

Fredy

 

[Simms]

Those jungle penis inlay SWIMMIES look sick!