I have never built a rod before, but am very interested in trying my hand at it. Any suggestions on a good wrapper that won't cost me a lot of money? I think I will enjoy rod building, but don't want to invest a lot of money to start with just in case. Any "first timer" hints would also be appreciated.

Don' t start with power. Just look at the flex coat wrappers ( non powered) and by Tom's book

I built my first fly rod using a card board box and fly tying bobbins. Looks graet and works fine, cost nothing.

You can make some simple V stands from scrap wood and run your thread through a phone book to get the tension you need.

The Flex Coat hand wrappers are really quite handy and will do all you need to do for now. If you plan on building more than just the one rod I'd take a look at one. The entry level stand (HW-1 I think) is a nice unit and makes things much easier. Three supports and can handle spools of thread with individual tensioners.

And yes, a good book or video will give you some needed background information.

..............

I am with Tom, make some V uprights, line them with masking tape or felt, get a nice thick book and a coffee cup. Viola, you are making rods. I bet 99% of rodbuilders started this way.

Tom's book is also a must buy! I bought it just to add it to the library. One last thing, when questions arise as you build, do a search on this site and I gurantee you will find the information you are looking for. Welcome to your new addiction!

I still wrap with a hand wrapper and I think the Flex Coat model is a great one. I like the high rod supports. It gives alot of room to do stuff like inlaind threads, etc. I use this also when I travel or go on vacation. Its small enough to take anywhere.

I think you will enjoy it, and probably use it forever in some capacity.

Dave

Tod,
Good advice on the hand wrappers. Not really that expensive and have good thread handling simple devices to keep your work flowing nicely. The extension comes with the HW-1 unit can be handily moved around to where you need it. All, in all a good basic unit we still use in conjunction with the power wrapping machine.
We've sold quite a few of the flex coat hand wrappers and they do the job.

For information on rodbuilding, you're here and can view past information through the search but also don't overlook the value of a subscription to RodMaker magazine. It's money well spent, as is Rod Building Guide. Seems this keeps coming up regularly, but it simply is the way to go in modern rodbuilding and getting off to a good start.

Browse the selections of the sponsor links to the left for books, videos, and if you need advice, I'm sure most are ready to provide it for you. We do it every day, and enjoy the contact of new rodbuilders all the time.

For a first timer hint at getting started,? perhaps go with a moderate kit having quality materials, maybe your vendor will substitute a few items to suit your particular requirements. Just ask. You don't really need to spend a fortune on high end blanks to start, get something in the mid range to build a good satisfying rod you'll be proud of, but it pays to get the basic skills down with good information and finishing materials.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel