How to get started in rod building?

[IaCraig]

I have read on WalleyeCentral that several of you build or have built custom rods. Does anyone suggest a book (or series of books) on how to do this? How about supplies? Websites or magazines? I think it might be a good hobby for me to pick up. If nothing else, I should be able to build myself some rods and build an appreciation for different materials.


Looking for a way to burn the winter away

IaCraig

[D189]

Craig,
Cabela's or Jan's Netcraft are two good sources for supplies and they both offer books. I found Dale Clemens (Dale Clemens Custom Tackle) books to be very helpful. If I had any advice for a new rod builder it would be:
1) Don't buy an expensive blank for your first try. Your third rod will be ten times better looking than your first one. Practice on a cheap spinning rod first, build the custom fly rod of your dreams later.
2) Build your first rod from a kit. It will come with every component that you need. The cork handle will already be assembled. You can see how all the parts go together, then on your next rod, you can pick and choose which components you want to use. Example, I prefer to order individual cork rings and glue them up to create the handle length that I want. I find that I get a better fit on the blank by filing the I.D. of each ring and sliding it on the blank to check for proper fit. That's harder to do with the handle already glued together. Have fun.
D189

[REW]

Perhaps a good way to get familiar with the basics of rod building would be to take and cut the guides off a rod that is reasonably ok, and either install new guides, or practice putting the old guides back on. then the only cost incurred will be the cost of the thread, and the coating cement.

The practice will be well spent on learning the fine points of guide winding.

Then on the next rod - take an inexpensive rod "kit" and put the pre assmbled on the rod, wind the guides, glue on the tip, and coat everything and you will be ready for the third rod.

On the third rod - you should be in a position to go up to a top grade blank if your prefer - take your time - do it right - put on good guides, glue up the handle, turn it to shape, and you will be good to go.

If possible, and a lot of fun, is to attend a rod building class. You can learn more in a few classes by a good teacher, than many hours of reading books and trying by trial and error to figure out the fine points.

If you help of a good instructor - you can start with an excellent blank and rely on the instructor to keep you out of trouble and keep from ruining your first attempt. The instructor will keep an eye on you - and guide you to keep you out of trouble.

The fine points - like
how tight to I make the wraps,
how do I spine the blank,
how do I know the correct alignment of the guides.
how do I glue the handle together.
how do I keep glue where it is supposed to be, and not get where it shouldn't be
how do I mix the coating cement so that it cures correctly every time
how thick and how many layers and where do I put the coating cement for a perfect job.

etc. etc. etc.

These and many other questions are answered in the books but with an instructor on hand - they can double check everything to insure not ruining an expensive blank.

Good luck and enjoy a great hobby.

p.s.
If you haven't already -- invest in a good illuminated magnifier. It really saves on the eyes, and helps you do a much better job -- keeps the wraps neat - and the coating even.

Take care

REW

[Mattman]

Dale Clemens' books.

http://www.rodguild.com/bbs/list.php?f=1

http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Rodbuilding/

[cmb]

try mudhole.com they have some great kits and inexpensive but good quailty blanks. My first rod was from cabellas, it was one of their custom graphite series. I was happy with it at first, but later realized that I should have spent the extra 15-20 bucks on a better blank. as long as you follow a good guide, book whatever, you will have decent results. why build a rod that you will rarely use to save 20 bucks? is that realy cheaper? that first rod was built one year ago, since then I have built three more and am curently doing the fourth. If you can't find a complete kit that you want try a blank and a "handel kit" and a "finishing kit" diferent suppliers do it different ways. another company to try is custom tackel, I don't have their web address, but you will find them if you do a search.

[Codydawg]

Try Thorne Bros in Fridley Minn at 763-572-3782.

[herm]

I f you know of a local fishing club, they usually have classes in fly tieing, casting, or rod building, plus you might get better prices and share another person's tools , rather than buy your own.... Good luck !

[Abe]

Were are you located? If it's Chicago area try M&R Custom rods he has classes.