Calstar Baja Boomer Gimbal??

ccrods · Dec-27-2006, 05:29 PM

I see posts with guys using the Baja Boomer blanks and the butt od of the blank is larger than any aluminum gimbal available? What is the deal?

fully involved · Dec-27-2006, 06:59 PM

Not sure why you can't find a gimbal. I have a BB and it has an AFTCO gimbal. Not sure of the size because I had it kitted by Calstar so they could notch the foregrip for me.

Jan from Humbol · Dec-27-2006, 08:15 PM

What's the diameter?

CALSTAR FIBERGLASS FISHING RODS BLANKS

Even if you can't find one you can always epoxy in a short peice of rod into the but and shape that to fit the gimbal.

2NA KILLER · Dec-28-2006, 05:59 PM

I had the same problem when I was building my baja boomer. Unfortunately you need to sand the butt end enough to let the aftco gimbal fit. Fortunately the blank is so thick that sanding a bit off shouldn't hurt the integrity of the blank, besides I've never seen a rod break towards the butt ened. Then fill as much glue as you can into the blank and the inside walls of the gimbal and then let what's in the blank just settle to the bottom. I use the U40 paste and so far I haven't had a problem. Hopefully this helps.

1:11 · Dec-28-2006, 06:42 PM

For best results, if you have access to a lathe, you can turn the butt a little bit. If you sand the blank it will be uneven and more likely that the gimbal glues on not level. If you turn the bottom inch of the blank just smaller than the gimbal it will be sweet. They used to do it this way at the Longfin and it was super clean. Ive done the sanding and grinding thing and its kind of mickey mouse. Good Luck.

edit: The wall of the butt of a Baja Boomer is so thick that there will be no structural loss in strength.

finadict · Dec-29-2006, 05:54 AM

The guys at Calstar grind the butt diameter down with a belt sander to make the gimbals fit the BB, as well as some of the blanks that have the ribbed Fuji gimbals. One easy trick to sand it round is to chuck a big bolt or a short steel rod into a drill, build it up with a band of masking tape until it fits snugly into the butt of the blank. Shove the rod into the blank, hold the blank loosely in one hand, grab the drill handle with the other, and slowly spin it against a belt sander. Works like a charm!