Hi All,

I have built about 6 of my own rods the past year and have been very pleased with the results. I could not have done it without the help I have recieved on this site. Thanks. As I don't have access to other builders except via the Internet I am always looking for books, articles etc. than can help me out. Can anyone suggest a video to help me with styles & techniques of basic guide wrapping.

GO to MUD HOLE Custom Tackle, whose link is on the left-hand side-bar of Sponsors. Along the top banner / tool bar at MudHole, click-on the tab "ROD BUILDING 101". It has an extensive list of tutorial articles to help you get started on your first rod-building project. They also have an extensive selection of excellent books & videos on rod-building. [www.mudhole.com]

Right here at RodBuilding.org there are also FAQs & LIBRARY. Use the SEARCH-engine on the Message Board / Forum for postings. Search & consult them for more quick answers, and then you can use the Message Board to post your new unanswered questions.

Rod Building Guide, by Tom Kirkman $15
Step by Step instructions for crafting your own custom fishing rod. Building a spinning, casting, surf, fly or offshore rods, Rod Building Guide will explain the how and why in clear, concise text with nearly 100 full color photographs. 51 pages paperback.

THE NEW Advanced Custom Rod Building, by Dale P. Clemens $30
Dale Clemens has completely rewritten this new book. He continues to display his expertise in his discussion of methods for building every kind of rod-from ultra-light fly to surf and offshore trolling. Following detailed explanations and illustrations, rod builders can design, built, and embellish rods to suit their particular desires and needs. Hardcover, 320 pages.

Step By Step Rod Building, by Flex Coat (FC) $7
Contains over 100 clear illustrations, charts and guide sizing plus step-by-step instructions on all phases of rod constructions. Some topics included are: designing your own custom rod, determining the spine of the rod blank, constructing cork handles, foam handle construction, installing the tip top, wrapping the guides, finishing the wraps and helpful tips for a professional finish. Great for both beginners and experienced rod builders. Softbound, 48 pages.

ROD-MAKER MAGAZINE, bi-monthly, $27 / (6 issues / 12 months).
[www.rodmakermagazine.com]. Order a subscription as soon as you think rod-building is for you. And as far as back issues go, order soon so you won't have to worry about back-issues running out. There simply is no other rod building magazine that can compare for quality and expertise with RMM.

Do some more homework and you will soon have the answers you seek. [www.rodbuilding.org] Best Wishes, Cliff Hall, Gainesville, FL.

"Can anyone suggest a video to help me with styles & techniques of basic guide wrapping?" - What "styles & techniques" are you referring to? For a more concise answer, pose a more specific question.

Underwraps, overwraps, double-wraps (as part of triple-wraps), locking-wraps, end & center trim-wraps go on or near the guides. Ferrule wraps, ruler wraps, ramp-hosel wraps for the tip-top or at the foregrip; or shim-wraps under a tip-top, grip or reel seat; cord wraps between the split grips of a surf rod; and finally, decorative butt wraps and artistic weaves and lettering, all go in their respective places. That's a catalog of wraps. But nearly all use exactly the same method for starting and ending the wrap so that it will not come unraveled: the tuck the tag end under the windings with a pull-thru loop method. Overwhipping ("lashing") or glueing are the only other methods I can think of. (You can't heat-fuse the nylon threads safely.)

Jim, If you have a specific question, post it & we'll sort it out.
-Cliff Hall-