Rod Building

[Grayghost 6]

Hi All-

Between the forum and the recent show in Mass rod building has been a growing idea with me. The question is: What should I start with for equipment? Is a basic set-up with the standard turning motor, wooden V-shaped holders and tensioners the way to go? Invest in better (meaning more expensive) gear right at the start? Would it make any difference what you bought if you were going to work on bamboo instead of graphite rods?

I'm curious what those with experience would have for opinions. Thank you in advance.

Joe

[lowwall]

I have built a bunch of rods from books and am now taking a class. I would recomend taking a class. Great Bay has been puting one on at mountain road. Cotes is putting one on at the Pelham show. Great Bay is what I would call New School, Cotes is old school.

Cotes class includes the bench vice with the class.

I went whole hog and bought an american tackle wrapper, with foot pedal and drying motor. I never use the power wrapper feature. You don't need much and the wrapper is the same whatever blank you use., boo or otherwiase. There are lots of deals on blanks to practice on on ebay for short money.

[nhmacusr]

I started with an eBay kit as well. I figured if I screwed it up I wouldn't be out too much.

Two good places to look for rod building stuff is:

Mud Hole (http://www.mudhole.com/)

Hook and Hackle (http://www.hookhack.com/)

Hook and Hackle is a smaller shop and will treat you right and answer all questions.

I bought the Flex Coat rod wrapper and dryer. They are really nice to have when starting out.

If you plan on taking a class or not, I would pick up Art Scheck's book:

Fly Rod Building Made Easy (http://www.amazon.com/Building-Made-Easy-Step-Step/dp/0881505110/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201612811&sr=8-11)

There is also a new DVD out that is supposed to be pretty good:

Graphite Fly Rod Building, How To Build A Modern Classic (http://www.amazon.com/Graphite-Fly-Build-Modern-Classic/dp/B0010XLVQI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1201612886&sr=8-6)

Be warned it is more addictive than crack cocaine!

[GreatBay]

Joe,
I would stay away from a power wrapper to begin with and go with a basic wrapping jig like the ones that Flexcoat has.
To be honest with you you don't need a lot of specialized tools to build a rod (Unless you're looking to build a bamboo rod by actually planing and gluing strips together- be prepared for an expensive hobby).
I personally would go to a company like www.customtackle.com
Bob Mckamey will talk to you for hours on what you need and what it will be used for.
When I first started building almost 18 years Bob helped me get into it, so he really knows his way around the craft.
Then again, if you want some local advice feel free to give me a call with any questions.

[Banks10]

I have actually been interested in rod building as well. I started tying my own flies this year, so perhaps next year I will give rod building a try.

How much should I expect to pay to get into it. I don't need all the fancy expensive tools if they aren't necessary (my fly tying vise cost me all of $20) Is it cost effective to build your own rods, or is it like fly tying where the value is using something that you created?

[s2ary]

I don't need all the fancy expensive tools if they aren't necessary (my fly tying vise cost me all of $20) Is it cost effective to build your own rods, or is it like fly tying where the value is using something that you created?

Maybe not, but by the time you're done you'll have a lot of it. :lol:

That should be sloganized or something. 8)
'I don't need all the fancy expensive stuff, after all isn't it cost effective to tie your own flies.?'

It is a slippery slope and that's the way it starts. Look at Dave, after 18 years he now owns the company. :shock: :lol:

[Banks10]

I didn't get into tying flies to save money, that's for sure. But it is enjoyable.

[GreatBay]

Banks,
You could get away with a cardboard box with V notches cut in either side to hold the rod. Your thread tensioner could be a spool of thread with the thread sandwiched between a midsized hardcover book.
A blank, thread, razor blade, grip, reel seat, and the guides and tip top and epoxy and finish and winding check and you're ready to go.

Cost for tools would be negligible and you would have to pay for the materials anyway, depending on the quality Lowwall had a great suggestion with eBay to begin with and use them as demo rods when you screw up the finish, etc.

A wood dowel also makes a great test "blank" to hone your skills on prior to doing it on an expensive blank.

[nhmacusr]

A wood dowel also makes a great test "blank" to hone your skills on prior to doing it on an expensive blank.

I do this all the time. Especially when experimenting with color preservers and epoxy finishes. Great advice.

[s2ary]

RRR...must resist the dark side... :lol:

I need to this like a hole in the head, but you make it seem so gentle 8) .

[Grayghost 6]

Thanks for the advise and web info, very helpful as always. Just what I need...another addiction! :)

[GreatBay]

If you already have 1 addiction what's another to add to the mix!! :D

[overmywaders]

Hayseed,

You will find a list of rodbuilding sites at http://overmywaders.com/index.php?links.

I have always had good luck with Angler's Workshop. These Lamiglas fly blanks look interesting for small stream work -- http://www.anglersworkshop.com/items.aspx?catid=2299

Cane blanks are available from some makers. They can be as inexpensive as graphite.

[Hextall]

I built my first rod from a kit I purchased from Hook and Hackle. check their specials pages... they will have great pricing on kits with all components, thread, wrap finish, brushes, etc.

I built the first rod using a shoe box with V's cut into each end. I used the thread-through-a-phone book method to get the tension needed to wrap the guides. I then manually turned the rod ever 5-10 minutes for a couple of hours so the wrap finish wouldn't sag... do this while watching a movie. So you don't need to buy anything really to get started.

Tom Kirkman's book Rodbuilding Guide is a great resource for the how-to's. For more valuable than getting wrapping stands for a beginner, in my opinion.

Just keep in mind, that there is a learning curve, and anticipate the first rod having some flaws (messy wrap finishing... even some out of alignment guides).

[Grayghost 6]

Thank you Reed, there's a ton of info on your site-wow :shock:! Hextall, as s2ary said:" You make it sound so gentle 8) ."

This thread turned into a primer for getting a start in rod building. Very nice everyone! And now it's time for: "Honey, I need a little more space for fishin' stuff, and the box from your new shoes so I can save some money and..."

There are WORSE addictions!