Hey, Im new to rod building and was wondering if you have to use the brand name epoxy like U 40 rod bond or can i just get some araldite from the hardware store. also any help on what tools i need would be good.
Cheers Mark

Use any liquid type slow cure epoxy for grip and handle assembly. Do not use it for coating your thread wraps, however.

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should i use a rod finish for that??

Yes, check the sponsor list to the left and consult with one to get you a good product for what you're doing. The thread coating epoxies are a bit different than the adhesive epoxies.

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Ok thanks for your help

Mark,

I strongly urge you to get a copy of Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman from one of the vendors to the left. It will take you step-by=step with pix through the entire process and explain how, what and why. It will be the best $15 you will ever spend on this craft!! Also, readt the articles in the library at the top of this page as well as the FAQ's and Glossary.

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!!

I am also fairly new and tried flex coat for a year and then thread master and so far I like the thread master from Lamar better. Also the videos from Putter is GREAT.

You can use several slow cure epoxies that are available at your local hardware but if you use U40 Rod Bond you'll likely prefer it to the others as it has a Vaseline like consistency that keeps it where you place it with out running and it is handy for household needs as well. Great stuff and easy clean up.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

i used loctite 60min epoxy for my first cork grip and its like a rock...$3 for a thing of it and it comes in 2 syringes that are together and you push them out in equal parts without measuring

Jon,

If you look at the number of grips that you can do with a Rod Bond kit vs the Loctite, I think that you will actually find the Rod Bond cheaper in addition to being far superior

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!!

yeah i know im going to use the rod bond on the rods i build now...i only used the loctite because it was my first rod and i didnt want to wait for someone to ship the rodbond haha

Most epoxy adhesives work for gluing grips & seats but you can not find
anything better than U-40 RODBOND!! Hands down!

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