Planning to build first rod

[Chuckmeister]

I've been planning to build a fly rod this winter. So far I've done a bunch of research but haven't bought any equipment yet. I was planning on building a stand and getting a little motor at the electronic surplus store. Anyways, in my travels I came accross this -

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rod-building-equipment_W0QQitemZ270311348814QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ LH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270311348814&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

Does this look like a good deal?

[lowwall]

I have the reamers and they are nice but not necessary, The 3 rod dryer is also not necessary. You can make the cork clamp for $5.
I have a American Tackle Power wrapper that is nice but way over kill. I bought it damaged and repaired it. I don't use the power except for the dryer.

It is an addicting hobby, but lots of fun.

What You need:

Simple wrapping cradle with thread holder/ tensioner
Drying motor\ Stand
Heat gun to help level epoxy
Scissors
Razor Blades
Acetone
Alcohol Lamp
Good masking tape
Good Lamp

[kmudgn]

If you can wait until early spring, the fly show sponsored by the MRVTU chapter at the Pelham Rod & Gun club has an inexpensive one day rod building class. The class has been taken by many and has been found to be very useful and informative for the novice rod builder.

[Aljack]

saw this, if it's any help for ya
http://www.maineflyfish.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12256

[Chuckmeister]

Hi guys, thanks for the help. A year later, built my first rod. Stayed with an inexpensive blank and components to get my feet wet with. I used all sevier components and tiger eye blank. Being my first build, I stayed inside the box and did simple wraps, single foot guides and pre-turned grip. The hardest part ended up being applying the finish. Everything came out great, except where I epoxied over my writing, I applied to much and didn't smooth it out/remove excess in time. I think I had my epoxy too warm, I was at room temperature, and in fear of incorrect mixing, I put the bottles in some hot water and then used the syringes and mixed it up. Long story short, I ended up sanding that part down, wrapped over the dull area and used some fly tying floss to make the overweave pattern. The tying floss seemed to work good, it's all I had at the time, haha. Came out pretty good I think. I finnally got the epoxying down pretty good after that lil screw up. I casted it with a 5 wt and 6wt line, It casts good with both lines. The 5 wt line handles well at distance, the 6wt loads easy without too much line out. So this build got my feet wet and I'm itching to build another! This time with some snakes and accents on the guide wraps. I'd like to also turn up a nice grip etc. Check out the pics here-
http://flyfishinginnh.com/vforum/album.php?albumid=86

[lowwall]

Good Job! The Finish is the toughest part. I still Strugle with it and I have built atleast a dozen rods.

[Chuckmeister]

Thanks man!

What kind of rods have you built?

[lowwall]

Single Hand Fly, Switch, Spey ( Current Project), Float \Fly Combo's, Conventional stuff etc. etc.. They get beter as time goes on, and I like building them, not so much a build what I need thing. This winters project is a 12'6" 7/8 spey, Forecast Blank, Alps Seat, Homemade grip, Recoil guides. I am also building another 5 wght, Buleahu Guide Series Blank, American Tackle Seat, Recoils and Forecast Grip.

The New Forecast Grips are real nice, not worth making your own except for the odd ball projects

http://batsonenterprises.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=227&Itemid=292

[wet_fly_action]

Those grips are nice. Too bad they don't make my 2 favorites, cigar and half wells.........

Luckily I know a guy with a lathe.