Help On Rod Building

[medicpelle]

I have always wanted to build my own rods. I typically buy stock high end rods and customize them which puts me into them at an increased $ amount. I am very meticulous and patient when it comes to my gear. I have little knowledge in rod building. Is there anyone around NE Oklahoma SE Missouri that would be willing to take some time and show me the basics or tips and tricks. I am willing to invest the money for the set up but like I said I am very meticulous so I want to learn the right way to make nice rods. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[ChampionNorm]

Go to http://rodbuilding.org

they have toms of info pictures, and may even lead you to someone in your neck of the woods.


There is a lot of info out there now. I think George Roth has a dvd that may help.

[medicpelle]

Thx. I 'm looking for a good DVD. I learn a lot better by watching then I do by reading.

[Midnitebasser]

Get the Flex Coat DVD (How We Do It) it's a very helpful DVD and well done.

[medicpelle]

Is that just a vid on using flex coat on trim wraps or is there more information on the DVD?

[medicpelle]

What are people using to spin rods while applying thread wraps? What type of wrapper is the best for starting out? Excuse my ignorance I am really green art this.


Modified by medicpelle at 7:28 AM 4/12/2009

[PA Officer]

The DVD takes you step-by-step through building a rod --- it's not rocket science.

You can also go to Mudhole.com and watch their how-to videos for free.

You don't need a dryer to build a rod, but I won't build without one. You can buy a good dryer, or a cheapo off of ebay or build your own using a small 6-18 rpm motor like those in a microwave.

As far as wrappers, you can use a card board box, wooden stands, or a top of the line power wrapper. I have a power wrapper, just because I don't have a lot of time to build. Until you get used to a power wrapper, you are better off (quicker) doing it by hand. You'll spend a lot of time backing up overwraps etc.

Rod building can be as easy as you want it to be or much more involved. It all depends on what you want to do.

The hardest part is figuring out how to apply the finish and make it look good -- everytime. That just takes a little practice.

If it were me, I would watch the videos. If I was still interested, I would buy a cheap starter kit and try one. No need to invest a lot of money, if you aren't going to stick with it.

[dchance]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PA Officer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

You can also go to Mudhole.com and watch their how-to videos for free.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

This helped me quite a bit, along with BBC
All I can say is don't spend a pile on your first one, this is tough to do and seems like the thing where you will get better with practice.

[ReelDoc]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PA Officer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The DVD takes you step-by-step through building a rod --- it's not rocket science.

You can also go to Mudhole.com and watch their how-to videos for free.

You don't need a dryer to build a rod, but I won't build without one. You can buy a good dryer, or a cheapo off of ebay or build your own using a small 6-18 rpm motor like those in a microwave.

As far as wrappers, you can use a card board box, wooden stands, or a top of the line power wrapper. I have a power wrapper, just because I don't have a lot of time to build. Until you get used to a power wrapper, you are better off (quicker) doing it by hand. You'll spend a lot of time backing up overwraps etc.

Rod building can be as easy as you want it to be or much more involved. It all depends on what you want to do.

The hardest part is figuring out how to apply the finish and make it look good -- everytime. That just takes a little practice.

If it were me, I would watch the videos. If I was still interested, I would buy a cheap starter kit and try one. No need to invest a lot of money, if you aren't going to stick with it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Amen to all of the above. PA Officer hit tha nail squarely on the head.

I've built many of the rods I use. I started with a 6 1/2' medium power spinning rod on a St. Croix Premier blank. If I remember correctly, I spent about $100-$125 total for that rod (blank, handle kit, & guides), a wooden stand wrapper, drying motor, epoxy, thread, basic tools, etc. I may be off a bit because that was about 10 years ago and I sometimes get CRS. You can easily build something less expensively - the kits are one way to do it relatively cheaply.

But be forewarned - like so many other parts of this hobby, it can become addictive!

[hutchie53190]

You could also check out rodguild.com and put a post up on there that you are looking for some one on one to see if there anyone in your area that would help you out.