Rod Builders

[pbmang]

I am looking into getting started building rods. I have seen where places like Cabela's sells a "kit" but I don't know how much of that is just fluff, and how much you actually need. For instance, it seems like a drying rack is easy to build for juat a few $$$ if you can find a small motor.

Anyway, my question is what really needs to be bought versus what can be gotten cheaper outside of a kit (if that makes sense). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[LM Bass Angler]

If you are building your first rod, I would suggest that you use one of the kits to get started with. Get one of the kits that comes with everything needed to build a complete rod. If they do not have a kit that you are interested in, call Mudhole and have them put you one together. Mudhole, Janns Netcraft, and Cabela's are good resources to find parts and information. Mudhole.com has a section on their website called rodbuilding 101. There is a lot of good rodbuilding information on their website. Rodbuilding.org is another great website for information. There is no need to buy alot of equipment (drier wrapper ect..) until you know that rodbuilding is something you are going to enjoy doing. You can make some simple "v" blocks to support the rod while you wrap the guides and turn the rod by hand after you apply the finish.

Here are the basics that you will need to build a rod:
Blank
Reel seat
handle
guides (and tip top)
hook keeper (optional)
Rodbuilding thread
Flex Coat (Guide finish)
Rodbond (handle and reel seat epoxy)
Tip top adhesive
mixing cups,

Good luck and post pictures when done

[pbmang]

Thanks a lot LM, that is exaclty what I needed to know.

[BENagy]

I saw you are in Acworth, GA. You are welcome to come by my place and see my shop and talk rod building. I have been building for 3 years. I am in Lawrenceville, GA

I sent you an IM with my phone

Bert Nagy

[LM Bass Angler]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by BENagy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I saw you are in Acworth, GA. You are welcome to come by my place and see my shop and talk rod building. I have been building for 3 years. I am in Lawrenceville, GA

I sent you an IM with my phone

Bert Nagy</td></tr></table>

pbmang,
I would take him up on that. You could learn more in a few hours from a person that knows rodbuilding than you could in weeks on your own.

[Cpt. Morgan]

This is great info for rookies like me too. I was meaning to ask the same question.
Thanks for the information.
Morgan

[cidgrad]

Mudhole has some pretty good online instructional videos that cover the basics.

Look for the ones that say "Basic"...

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building-101/Videos