I will be building my first rod shortly and was wondering what type of finish and epoxy would you recommend for ease of use and consistency. Thanks a lot for all your help.

It's hard to go wrong with Flex Coat epoxy and CP for all around use. Glass Coat is probably equally good but has a little less pot life.

Greg
Try a search of this board and you will find a lot of info about what other builders use and why.
You may have to play with several before you pick the one you like.

If this is your first rod, you may want to try either Gudebrod 840 or Permagloss. Those are both one part, no mix finishes. Gudebrod is easier to use and cleans up with water. Either will require 4-5 coats since they've very thin and can't support much of their own weight. They both dry quickly so you can easily put on 2 coats in one evening. They both also act somewhat like CP, Gudebrod more so than Permagloss. The thread will darken but it won't be translusent like it would is you just used straight epoxy, but it will be darker than if you used CP first. If you plan to use CP, get Gudebrod 811. It's clear instead of looking like thin milk and I think it does a better job.

Gerry gives good advice on the 840. I am not a fan of epoxy that sets up before you can finish all the guides. Currently, I use one coat of 840 (mainly because it is easy, no smell, and has some CP qualities) followed by one coat of thickened Klass Kote.

Greg,
I did not use any other epoxy other than Flex-Coat high build and have never and any problems other than applying the first coat to thick. I have sence started using the Flex-Coat Light for the first coat and the high build for following coats. It's easier for me that way.

I used the Flex- Coat C.P. for years but have discovered that Gudebrod 811 is much better as it applies and stays clear. The Flex-Coat C.P. is a milky white until it dries and if appied to thick and you bump the wraps after the C.P. dries the milky white color sometimes re-appears forcing you to re-wrap the guide.
You will find the 811C.P. will take longer to dry. However, the wait is better than the problems I have experienced with the Flex-Coat C. P. Good Luck and have fun!