I'm still a simple builder. Heck, I still use the bent coat hanger supports. But the tool I can't get along without, is the tapered reamer. Best purchase I ever made, better than the rod turner, even.

I couldn't build a flyrod without it.

Anyone else got a tool they couldn't get along without?

My white plastic thread packing and burnishing tool! Also, a VERY sharp razor or scalpal!

I have a couple of coat hangers, thread, and a phone book for doing quick repaires or lessons in the field!
They really do work great in a pinch! KISS!!

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

In a broader sense, there's probably no better "tool" than this particular website. But I'll agree with you, David, that other than the blank itself, the reamer is up near the top. I'll have to sleep on your question.
Stan



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/08/2005 11:12PM by Stan Gregory.

The Gudebrod Spatula - They call it the Metal Chemical Mixer.
I use it to mix epoxy, to burnish, packing thread, and about 100 other things. It's also easy to clean.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2005 01:14AM by Christian Brink.

Also

Double Edged razor blades. They are sharper than the single edged ones and they snap into shapes that can get into tight places.

Now my single edged razors are dedicated to scraping cured epoxy.

Christian



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2005 01:18AM by Christian Brink.

Two of any rod builder's most valuable tools are their eyes and their mind; without them, no tool will make up for it. Other than those, I think for this old man, the magnifier I wear on my head has helped me quite a bit.

Putter
Williston, ND

I have to agree with Randy, the magnafier that I wear on my head. When I first started I really had a heck of a time till I got one.

Tom

An imagination, along with the immense talent one is exposed to due to this site!

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

MVT vote goes to the water break free tool as outlined in Rodmaker a few issues back. I made one up and find myself using it several times on each rod I build. It has cut my assembly time by quite a bit on each rod. Plus it's just easier to use the tool than have to do it by hand.

Without a doubt ,its this website for me. This site has to be the best informed website of any forum or site I've ever visited
Ken Blevins

Calipers. Measure twice, turn or ream once. Close fit, minimum shimming.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2005 10:59AM by Steve Rushing.

One valuable tool for me has been the addition of good lighting in my work area.

- Sam

Popsicle sticks and paper towels

From the Coonasses----- fingers. that didn't get cut off from the razor blade.

Lance & Bill

The light bulb (thanks Thomas Edison). I do most of my rodbuilding in the basement and either before the sun rises or at night. Although without the internet, I'd still be in the dark even with the light bulb. Other contenders: tapered reamer, Gudebrod metal spatula, Dremel tool, Grizzly hobby lathe, Andy Dear's mandrel, rapidograph technical pen, and the lowly toothpick, popsicle stick, and razor blade.

Maybe not the MOST valuable tool, but one that hasn't been mentioned yet, is the ever-present and ever-handy fly-tying bodkin. I use it to add a little finish here and there. I use it to help pull decals off their backing, so that I don't get finger oils on them.

Another one that hasn't been mentioned is the coffee stir straw. For finishes that shouldn't be flamed (i.e. Duragloss LS), the little stir straw is great for popping bubbles in the finish. I just blow on that area of finish until the bubble bursts.

My Magnafier and This site have Improved my quality, And taught me many tips and Methods.

Thanks Tom!!!

My dental pic. Works great for packing threads, & pulling the thread through your ty-off loop.

The Renzetti lathe.....or in my case, a "Clemens" lathe.

Great responses, all. Thanks!

Reviewing my toolbox, some recent pickups that I didn't know I needed were a very sharp bodkin. Helps to hide thread ends, apply spot finish, remove foreign paticles from wet finish, apply small bits of epoxy to tight spots.

Also, playing cards for flexible spatulas.

Small line level to check level of rod in the wrapper/coater.

A tool I've stopped using was double edge razor blades. I have been using the method for wraps where you cut the tag end close before pulling it through. No more ends showing through the wraps!