I'm building a 6'6" St. Croix baitcaster. I've never mounted a reel seat. I've read that alot of people put tape of some kind under their reel seats. The specific type of reel seat I'll be using is a blank through type. Does anyone have any pointers?

Thanks for all of your help. Once again, this is a very helpful site.

If it is a blank through seat you have to measure the diameter of the blank at the point where the blank through opening will sit on the blank and order a seat with the right diameter. Blank through seats have to be ordered in the correct size so that it fits snugly on the blank. It should be a close fit and need no shimming.

Mike

On the top half of the reel seat Mike mentions you'll have to either put a graphite arbor or any other type of arbor (masking tape, drywall material) between the blank and the reel seat, its just the bottom half that fits the rod's diameter.
The reel seat, where it fits snug to the blank, (if too tight -slightly) can be carefully reamed to fit.
The type of arbor you use is up to you; many have their opinions on which type.
Putter

I guess I'm speaking of a Pac Bay type exposed seat, here. The American Tackle style (probably what Mike was speaking of) are one diameter throughout the reel seat. Forgot about that.
Putter

Mike,
You're thinking of the exposed blank reel seats which need the correct fit when ordering. The blank thru merely designates the reel seat which the blank goes through it as well as through, to the end of the butt grip.

As for shimming with arbors, this goes on the blank over which the reel seat slides to fit snug. The arbors can be built up masking tape which I recommend using 3M 2020, cork, brick foam (these come in St. Croix handle kits or component suppliers). Some use dry wall tape, and flex coat has reel seat lenght arbors. Spacing a 1/4" or more between arbors is a good idea to allow positive bonding of the epoxy along the edges from the inside of the reel seat down firmly to the blank at several points pretty well making it fail proof. Use Rod Bond as your adhesive and scuff the inside of the reel seat with scotch brite pads to build up the bonding surface charges for optimal setup.

Rich Garbowski
Richard's Rod & Reel

Oops! I automatically assumed he meant blank EXPOSED. I have never used a seat that the blank didn't go all the way through it so I did the logical think! We all know what "ASSUME" stands for!!

Mike

As did I, Mike, especially after reading your post on top of it. It was just the logical thought on what Steve posted, but we wuz ASSUME ing.

Putter

Steve told me via E-mail that he did mean blank exposed seat

Well, I guess in this case, we ASSUME d correctly!!

Putter

Well fellows, I guess all the bases are covered then.
Steve, if you measure the diameter at the point you'll want the reel seat, relay this to your rod component supplier for the closest fit. It's better to ream a bit, or drill out smoothly rather than get a loose fitting seat.
Good luck.

Rich Garbowski

And I was not in this one guys LOL You and me??

Mike and I just didn't feel the same without ya, Bill.

Putter

aaahhh gee