I am wanting to get into building some custom rods for myself, yet I feel a bit intimidated by it.

What are the basics that I will need to start? I fugure I would try a couple cheaper rods first and then get into the Rainshadow stuff.

Are there any good books, DVD's that you would recommend.

Thanks

If you check ebay you can pick up a hand wrapper and dryer for about $30 or $40. Some times you can pick up books for a good price to. I'll go through some of mine and see if I have any starter books. You can also check out some of the rod building forums.


Check out Batsons forecast blanks and components. You will also need some basic tools, epoxy, tread, glue,tape and brushes.

the basic stuff is pretty simple.. its when you get into weaving your name and stuff that gets hard.. but even then if you take your time it gets easier as you go along.. heck even i was able to come up with a decent wrap on my rods..

i'm not really into the ornamental aspect of rod building, that kind of thing is way above me. i just build functional sticks, mainly because i enjoy it and i can build rods that surpass just about any factory job in quality and feel(at least to my hands, but that's all that matters to me).

getting one of the kits would not be a bad start, i built my own wrapper instead, though. some guys use a cardboard box with "V" notches cut in the ends and a heavy book for thread tension, but i like something a little more robust.

i would highly recommend getting a good finishing/drying motor and stand setup, because no matter how pretty it looks before you lay down epoxy, if you don't do a good job of that it will look crummy.

basic supplies i would recommend for somebody wanting to take up the hobby:

nylon thread, size A, multiple colors
disposable brushes(i have the best luck with kids watercolor paint brushes)
stirring sticks and plastic graduated measuring cups
2-part thread finish(i like threadmaster)
2-part rod builders epoxy(for cork/reel seats etc)
burnishing tool, SHARP razor blades
assortment of cork reamers(batson's dream reamer set is a good one that will handle most steelhead type rods)
1/4" wide masking tape

starting off on a lower-priced blank is good but make sure it's something that you'd want to actually use so you'll put some effort in. cabelas' fish eagle II blanks are only 30 bucks and you can make some great rods on them. assemble it with some cheaper corks, a set of fuji hardloy guides and a decent reel seat, and you can come in with a very good rod for 60 bucks.

Castingpearls,

I looked and have couple of books your welcome to and I also have a few free Classic Coat epoxy samples. If any of you builders would like to try it. Its one of the most user friendly epoxy I've ever used.

Use some on that IMX 1025c then.....


c/22

Wow guys, great stuff here. I really feel like I can go and actually build one of these things.

Don, I would love any books you have, just let me know what you need me to do.

Chum Man- This is exactly the info I was after, thanks a million.

What IMX1025?

brutal...



c/22

At the top of the page is the STS Amato on line book store and there would be many books on rod building there

You may also want to check out the Show we are having at the Lamiglas plant in Woodland April 11th at 2 pm and 12th 8am-5pm will be a BBQ twoards then end on Saturday.

Check out this site as well http://www.rodbuilding.org loads of info on that site.

CP,

I would definitely keep in touch with Don. He can set you up with the components you will need and make sure you are getting all of the right materials that will match up with the blanks you are wanting. Don is a very patient teacher and an amazing rod builder. For me it helped having someone to watch and learn from. Not sure thats a possibility being so far from Tacoma but definitely give him a call.

Terrapin

If you have some old, cheap rods, you can strip the guides off and tie them on again. I "reconditioned" two rods before building one from parts. Otherwise, Mudhole has a good amount of information on their website including instructional video. Mudhole Link Click on the Rodbuilding 101 link for instructional stuff.

Starter hint for you: Buy the reel you will use with the rod before you build the rod. Guide spacing is not a science, so having the reel can change the spacing especially for spinning and fly rods. It also sizes the reel seat you will use. Good luck.

I second attending the rodbuilding show in woodland. It will help you build contacts that can answer your questions that will arise once you start building. I was helped considerably when I started building by a local builder/reel repair man without his help I probally would have quit. So on the off hand chance you are reading thanks George

Castingpearls,

Give me a call when you get a chance and we can work out how to get them to you. 253-232-9441


Rebuilding old rods is a great way to start. Its cheap and if you screw it up who cares. Its how I started.