I've built 3 rods now with rudimentariy home made gear (wood wrapper with coffee cup thread holder, Lonely Planet South America travel book as a weight for thread tension etc...) One for me, one for my old man, and most recently for my son- he's 1 and a half years old and will start fishing soon.
Without tooting my own horn too much they have all turned out really good, all my fishing buds have given me compliments...blah blah blah..
The wraps are tight, the guides are straight, the finish could be a bit smoother ( I have just ordered a rod wrapper and also a dryer)
I feel like I have the basics down and with proper equipment could make some really impressive rods.
I'd like to get a bit more fancy with the guide wraps and butt wraps, diamond designs, some marbeling with the finish maybe.
Any tips on wrapping techniques.
I've spent several hours at this sight admiring the photos and want to get busy myself.
I'd appreciate any ideas- books, websites whatever.
Thanks,
Doug

Hi Doug,

Without a doubt, I would pick up a copy of Rodbuilding guide by Tom Kirkman from a sponsor on the left (best $15 you will spend on this addiction) A subscription to Rodmaker would be my first priority, nothing like it!! Then I would start saving now (I already have) to make the annual pilgrimage to Charlotte in Feb for the "International Rodbuilding Symposium"

Keep asking questions here and scour the Library, FAQ's, Glossary and Photo page above.



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Wow- words of wisdom only 6 minutes later! I think I have found a new favorite website! You are right- an addiction indeed!! Thanks Mike.
Doug

all the above is gospel,i would add a copy of custom rod thread art by clemens to my arsenal,

Flex-Coat offers a couple of cross-wrap booklets with some patterns. Great for begginers! Easy to understand
a few bucks each and you can get them from several sponsors on the
left.
I recommend @#$%&, Neals Fishing, & Fish Stiks 4-U

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

Rodbuilding guide and RodMaker Magazine are must have's for the beginner. As for Custom Rod Thread Art by Dale Clemens, It's great to have but hard to find and EXPENSIVE because it's out of print.. Paruse @#$%& (sorry Tom) sometimes you can pick up a used one fairly cheaply. Excellent replacements would be the pamphlets from Billy Vivona and Flex Coat. This coming from a fairly new RodBuilder myself. Mikes statement about Charlotte is beyond truth, it's the absolute epidomy of RodBuilding knowledge and availability of blanks and coponents.

Bill in WV

Doug,

I forgot! Here are some pretty good instructions for several of the basic decorative cross wraps. [www.leapinbass.com]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

You should also try to get Billy Vivona's booklet on decorative buttwraps too.
It is in color and easy to follow.

Also, try to find a rod builder close by that you can visit (like I was fortunate enough to do).
Seeing it done does not compare to only seeing it on paper, and it will make you say "AHHH, now I understand!"

Thanks to all of you for your ideas. This new "addiction" is keeping me awake at night!!
If I'm not careful I may end up divorced, sleep deprived with a house full of custom made rods!!!

Welcome to the addiction / obsession!!

Bill in WV