11-17-2003, 12:38 PM
[cool][size 2]Hey, my friend, I have tried several different ways to safely carry a prized fairywand in my arsenal. I have two systems that both work. See the attached pics for a visual idea of what I am describing.[/size]
[size 2]System one relies on having a 1" or smaller handle on the rod, and having a 1.25 inch main PVC rod holder tube. A 1" PVC tube fits down inside the 1.25 just right. So, you can make an insert to hold your flyrod and just slip it down into the regular notched holder.[/size]
[size 2]You need to carefully measure, cut and sand the notch in the insert to just barely fit at the junction of the reel and rod. It will be narrower than either the rod or reel, and if you cut the slit right, it will slide in easily...but will stay safely inside because the larger rod handle will not come through...if you measure right.[/size]
[size 2]To prevent the insert from sliding through, you can use some PVC cement to tack on a couple of small pieces of PVC at the point you want them to fit into the notches on your main holder tube. I used small machine screws...not screwed all the way through the PVC...but have since made some with the PVC tabs. Anything that will keep the insert in position will work.[/size]
[size 2]The other system, as you can see in the pics, is to simply cut a custom fitted groove in one of your main rod tubes, to hold a fly rod...or any of your other rods. I cut such a groove in the last tube on my rack, so that the fly rod stays farther back and is less likely to get in the way.[/size]
[size 2]The real key to success is to start with a small groove...just a bit too small to allow the reel to slip down into it, and then file and sand until the fit is perfect. Make the tube before you put it on a rack, because you might botch it the first time. I did. The good news is that PVC is cheap.[/size]
[size 2]Hope that helps. If you come up with any new and creative ideas that work, take a pic and send it over for our files.[/size]
[signature]
[size 2]System one relies on having a 1" or smaller handle on the rod, and having a 1.25 inch main PVC rod holder tube. A 1" PVC tube fits down inside the 1.25 just right. So, you can make an insert to hold your flyrod and just slip it down into the regular notched holder.[/size]
[size 2]You need to carefully measure, cut and sand the notch in the insert to just barely fit at the junction of the reel and rod. It will be narrower than either the rod or reel, and if you cut the slit right, it will slide in easily...but will stay safely inside because the larger rod handle will not come through...if you measure right.[/size]
[size 2]To prevent the insert from sliding through, you can use some PVC cement to tack on a couple of small pieces of PVC at the point you want them to fit into the notches on your main holder tube. I used small machine screws...not screwed all the way through the PVC...but have since made some with the PVC tabs. Anything that will keep the insert in position will work.[/size]
[size 2]The other system, as you can see in the pics, is to simply cut a custom fitted groove in one of your main rod tubes, to hold a fly rod...or any of your other rods. I cut such a groove in the last tube on my rack, so that the fly rod stays farther back and is less likely to get in the way.[/size]
[size 2]The real key to success is to start with a small groove...just a bit too small to allow the reel to slip down into it, and then file and sand until the fit is perfect. Make the tube before you put it on a rack, because you might botch it the first time. I did. The good news is that PVC is cheap.[/size]
[size 2]Hope that helps. If you come up with any new and creative ideas that work, take a pic and send it over for our files.[/size]
[signature]