There is so much discussion on how to apply epoxy finish, could someone possibly film and post the process via an mpeg? maybe this has been done already, but if not it seems it would help a lot of people. Seeing it done using a couple of techniques, e.g. brush and spatula, would help many who struggle with this. For that matter why not have short clips of other techniques as well. How to start your thread wrap, doing a simple tag wrap, locating the spine, and guide foot preparation all come to mind. Just a thought.

Simple Answer: Buy Ken Preston's Rod Building DVD. Covers all of the above. Should be able to get it from any of the sponsors. Visit his web site, he may have video clips posted. [kensfishingrods.com] Mudhole did have a clip of him applying epoxy with a brush, in their RodBuilding 101 section.

Bill in WV



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2007 06:48PM by William Bartlett.

As far as starting wraps I recently did a tutorial on that and trim bands. Send me an e-mail at Pikapp122@hotmail.com and I'll send it to you on Monday.

The new Rod Builders International organization will soon have tutorials and classes in these subjects and dozens of others.

Until then, don't make too much out of applying epoxy. The epoxy knows what to do - just put it on and let it work. Most epoxy finish troubles arise when folks do too much with it.

........

i think mudhole's rodbuilding 101 has artie's video on applying finishes..

also, Doc Ski's DVD on rod building covers it.. (great video by the way!)

-
Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day..
Teach a man to fish, he'll be broke!

Why don't people just take short videos and upload them to youtube.com. When new techniques are posted on youtube just drop us a link on this message board and we all can go and watch the clips.

Video's can be posted of decorative wraps too.

There are numerous video's and books available as well as Rodmaker magazine which has had indepth articles on just about every subject you can think of. There are also many tutorials created by people here with pictures. Sharing is one thing, but expecting people to make free video's available when the people that pay to keep this site offer them for sale is kind of a reach!!!

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 agree with Mike, That is how I learned most of what I know. By purchasing Tom' s and Dale Clemen's books, Putter's videos, Rodmaker magazine, and the wealth of information found here. Most question I have had about rod building has been asked and answered numerous times and can be found by searching this forum. Saves me from posting too many questions and waiting for answers. As for the epoxies, I went through three different brands before finding the one that seems to work best for me.

Darin Travis

John G.
Your email address is "hidden" so I can't email you. If you would email me I could arrainge to send you
the only 2 rodbuilding video files I know to exist other than what can be found on the Mudhole Rod Building
101 page.

These 2 video files are too large to send via email but I do know a way to get them to you so email me. OK??

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

You know, I would bet that just about every rod builder, at one time or another, wishes that he or she had access to a video to view and replay how someone applies finish "correctly". I know I did. While I remember thinking about that when I first started, I don't worry about it so much now since I've done it enough times to figure out how I like to do it.

My point is that while it might be helpful to the uninitiated, or to someone who is attempting to build their first rod without an experienced builder on hand to guide them through the process, every builder probably does it differently than the next builder. The best way to learn is to do it yourself.

If you are completely unfamiliar with the process, ask an experienced local builder to show you the basics. There are a number of fine books out there that do illustrate the process perfectly.

I believe the key is to patiently keep at it until a builder is confident in their skills, and he/she finds a particular method they feel comfortable with. That might mean taking an old rod/blank or even long wooden dowels, and practicing your wrapping and finishing skills until you feel confident to actually tackle a true rod building project. Every book or website illustrating the rod building process emphasizes the importance of practicing the craft before attempting a project. That would certainly mean the difference between building a useable rod you can be proud of, versus a rod that is done, fuctional, but will sit in a corner of your garage unused.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2007 08:24PM by Patrick Vernacchio.

Patrick is right! What is good for me might not be good for you. No matter what you watch or read, it takes practice to develop a technique. Rodmaker Vol 9 issue 1 has a great illustrated article detailing how to get a perfect finish every time. Back issues are available on the left. (it will still take practice. Click on the Directory at top of page and locate a builder near you. Check out the library above. Use the SEARCH function on this site and type apply finish and select ALL DATES. There is a ton of info available

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!!

Quite right. Watching somebody do it isn't going to be nearly as good as doing it yourself and following the basic tips. Different finishes, while similar, act a bit differently.

For similar reasons, a method that works for one, might not for another. I tried Rich Forhan's method once and it was a complete disaster. Other folks use that method with great results. Like any other craft, some things take practice. It's not something that happens overnight. You gotta put in the work. Watching me use a crab fork, Mike using a playing card or Tom using a sable brush, with different finishes is no substitute doing it yourself.

Best advice I can give, is how I learned. Spend a couple of bucks and get a package of finish for the sole purpose of learning. Mix it up and apply it to a pen, a stick, wooden spoon, anything round, and then experiment using the tips that are in here and Rodmaker. You don't need thread or guides. Once you do that, you'll learn good finish in no time at all, especially if you don't have the pressure of ruining a rod. Do it whenever you are bored. Take an hour, sit down with a mix and learn it. How long to let it sag, how to wick it, when to turn it and how often, when to leave it alone. By the time you get through that first epoxy kit, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to get a decent finish.

I watched guys do drywall and tile for years. Thought it would be a snap to do it myself until I actually tried. Turns out it is a snap, after I screwed up everything I thought I had learned from TV and books. Sometimes you gotta get the hands dirty a bit to learn.

Great advice Mick; There are Methods and there are Techniques to the Methods. Technique is a personal thing, something you have to develop on your own, and everyone has his/her own technique of mastering any skill.

Jay