Hi. My name is Dave Ervin. I am new to rodbuilding. In fact I haven't built my first rod yet. My first rod will be a 7'6" MH basscasting rod. I will use Fuji New Concept alconite guides. My question is what kind/size of thread to use for the guides? What kind of epoxy? What kind of epoxy to use for reel seat and cork handles? I have been practicing thread winding on some old rods. Also I bought some large spools of nylon thread (@#$%&) in B and D sizes. Is it Ok to use or should they be used for special applications on certain rods? Also how do you use the large spools? Do you transfer the thread to smaller spools? If so where can I find them? How about metallic threads, what do you use them for and what size? Also can braided line be used with these types of guides? Do you use color preserver on guidewraps if so,
when do you apply it? One last question, I need some advice on where to buy rod components, best price? You can email me if you want. I am new and I am just beginning.
Thanks,
Dave

First off Dave welcome to the art! Second, before you jump in, I would recomend a good read on the subject. Either Tom Kirkmans or Dale Clemens book on rodbuilding. Most all your questions will be answered in either one.

Along with purchacing one of the books referenced above, you can purchase your componets from most of the suppliers listed on the left.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Yes, you probably need to get some background info before you start. You're not going to learn to build rods from a rod building forum - but you will get help to get through any tough spots.

Nylon rod wrapping thread from Gudebrod, Rice or National is all good and entirely suited for rod building.

Braided line will not harm quality ceramic guides.

Color preserver can be used with regular nylon thread if you want to keep the same bright color you see on the spool. If you don't use it, your wraps will be fine but the thread will turn uniformly dark and somewhat translucent. Some people like this look while others prefer to use CP.

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

You will aso find a lot of information by using the Search Funsion of this board. Just type in your question for I use All Dates and most will be answered
Check out the Library page Faq's, Glossary in the black bar above.

Size A is probably the most frequently used size thread for rodbuilding and is plenty strong. Epoxies used for guide wraps and bondig cork/reel seats are different. Ask ten rod builders what they use for guide epoxy and you'll likely get 6 different answers. Also, there are high build and low-build epoxies for guides. High-builds are usually thicker (higher viscosity) and meant to be applied in a single coat. Low-builds are thinner and usually require multiple coats. I tend to like using low-build (i.e. Flex Coat Lite) as my personal experience had yielded fewer bubbles in the final finish. The best thing to do is try a few and when you find one you like, stick with it. For reel seats and cork, use a rod-building epoxy such as Trondak U-40 Rod Bond or Flex Coat Rod Builders Epoxy. I like using the Rod Bond because you don't have to be as exact when mixing equal parts, and, it has a longer working time. Unless you are building LOTS of rods you probably don't need to buy thread in large spools. Better to buy smaller spools in more colors. Stick with thread designed for rod building. Threads from fabric shops frequently have silicon coatings with can cause problems when applying epoxy to the wraps. Use metallic threads interchangeably with nylon for both guide and decorative wraps. Apply color preserver to regular nylon thread after completing the guide/decorative wrap,but before application of epoxy. Most color preservers require at least two coats. Also, there is thread that comes already color preserved (NCP thread). As with epoxy, ask several people where they purchase components and you will get various answers. For the most part there isn't much price difference on most of the components, actually having them in stock is usually the bigger question. Any of the board sponsors will treat you right, my advise would be that once you find one you're happy with, stick with'em.

Hi,
I would also get a couple of the videos that are available.
I recommend Doc Ski's video/DVD. Some people learn
a lot more by watching things being done.
Check the directory here for a rod builder in your area.
Most would be happy to show you the ropes.

Good Luck !

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

On the first few rods I built, I used size D thread (the guy at the supply store wanted to unload some old inventory on me I think and I had not done much research reading the old posts here) but now I know that size A is what most folks use. Then when I started using size A, I learned why everyone insists on grinding guide feet - lol. Also, you might want to build a few "practice" rods before starting out on building the rod of your dreams. In the 8 rods that I built over the past year or so, I have learned a great deal and still have lots more to learn. But the really frustrating parts - like the cross-over for starting a wrap - are totally routine now - because I learned a technique. It just takes some hands-on practice.