Tom,
Usually when you post that the newest issue is going out in the mail you tease us by letting the readers know the topics of the articles.

You didn't mention the topics for this latest issue. How about it?

Can't wait,
Buzz Butters

Ever seen those nice brass logos that the commercial rod makers put on their aluminum rod tubes? Well, you can make them at home. The new issue shows you how to etch brass for rod tube insignias, rod grip logos, cap insignias, etc. There's a whole host of applications for this tecnique. It's a bit advanced in terms of doing it, but it requires no special skills and only a few items, all easily obtained. We'll have some follow ups on this in future issues - you can also use this technique to "engrave" winding checks and reel seats. It's nice to have this one in your bag of tricks.

Some stuff on marbleizing, plans for an adjustable rod wrapping jig, information on how to reduce rod breakage from customer abuse, new product info, rod building craft news, some tips on selling rods, Q&A, some color photos, etc., etc., etc. I hope the readers find it helpful.


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Oh, and we also gave away a bunch more stuff. You'll have to read the winner's names in the issue, however. I don't want to reveal them early.

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I've seen a plate that he's etched. Amazing. I had no idea it could be done like that. I plan to make some from thinner stock and use them on the rods or seat ends.

You can't go too thin or you'll etch all the way through the plate. You have to have enough thickness for decent differences in thickness between the background and the forefront. I don't think you can go less than about .010 and have it work well.

The article only went through the details on how to make the insignia plate for a rod tube, but obviously these things can be used for many other purposes. And the same process will work on bands of metal which can then be used for winding checks. Signatures can be "engraved" on caps and seats as well. Once you understand the process, it's a simple matter to use it for a variety of things related to rod building.

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Being a scale plastic modler as well as a amature rod builder, I know that MicroMark has just come out with a Photo Etching kit. Having not read the article yet, this may not be the same techinque used, but here is the link to it just the same...

[www.ares-server.com]

Hope this helps, as I know I've gotten a ton of help/info from this board.

-Mack