I searched around this site a bit and didnt seem to find this . Its been asked before Im sure. I would like to start building a few rods. Whats my best way to learn video,books----If so which ones would you guys recommend for the beginer?
Thanks for the help
Van

There was a fella that put out a book a while back called the Rod Building Guide, I think his name was Kirkman or something like that. Lots of pictures and is striaght to the point.

Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman will be the best $15 you will ever spend on this obsession. Scour the Library, FAQ, Glossary and Photo Pages above. Order some catalogs from the manufacturer's on the left. I would also get hold of a catalog from Mudhole, IMO, it's the best retail catalog in the industry and contains a lot of info as well No slighting the other fine vendors to the left but few, if any, have printed catalogs) Browsw all of the vendors sites on the left as they don't all cary the same products.

Be sure to post qustion here, no matter how basic you may think they are! You will get a lot of help. Learn to use the search feature on this site as about 10 years worth of posts are archived and contain a to of info and opinions. Also, you might want to UNHIDE your e-mail so people can contact you directlt.

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!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/21/2007 11:27AM by Mike Barkley.

Scott has sent you to the best infomation you'll find, BUY IT (less than $20!). It's not a long huge major brain wrecking book, it's more like a short magazine with great photo's and straight forward information.

After you read it, you'll refer to it often in the begining, and after that you can pick up the rest right here on the board-some GREAT guys with enough knowledge to keep you busy forever.

DR

Also subscribe to the RodBuilder mag that this guy who is he Kirkman puts out. Many many ideas.

Tom's book was the first thing I picked up after a 20+ year hiatus from rods. I also picked up Clemens book used off @#$%&, but see that Mudhole now has new reprints too : [shop.mudhole.com] . The Clemens book may be a little dated here and there when it mentions particular products, but the techniques carry over.

There is also a lot online. [shop.mudhole.com] is one. There are many others out there too.

Once you suck in enough of the varied techniques, you are likely to find yourself hybridizing them with your own spin, likes/dislikes, insights, and working tool constraints. For most anything you read, there are usually different ways to do the same thing. An informed "blue sky" frame of mind, if you will

Van I would also find someone in your area who has been at this for a while. Get in touch with them and try to spend some time with them at there shop. I found that hands on experience is the best way for me to learn. All the things the guys suggested above is right on the book this forum have all played in helping me. I have just been doing this for a few months. But if you can find a mentor it will really help you take off save you some time and probably money by learning from someone who has been at this for a while they can steer you away from some of the trouble areas. Not that you wont find them on your own. And practice practice practice. Welcome to the addiction of rod building hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Brent Keever

Van,
Where are you located?

some great advice you have gotten so far! Also on the mudhole site they have a "rod building 101" section and it has free how-to mini videos you can download and watch on there...for example: guide wraps, mounting eva grips, etc etc

Also take a look at Ken Preston's DVD, it is very informative. Ken is a great custom rod builder and is very active with this forum.

Chase Foster
American Tackle
www.americantackle.us

Thank you guys so much for the imput !!!
Mike, When I signed on, there wasnt an option for hidding my e-mail I didnt know it was until you pointed it out. Cant seem to change it.

John, I am located in north central Idaho. I see that black dog tackle that has an add on here is 17 miles down the road from me.
I have a few of the catalogs and such and have read everything in them. There were a lot of books and dvds and I didnt want to start on top --just basics.
Again, Thanks so much for everyones help !!
Van

Van,

A lot of awesome and "right on" advise above. I'll add this. When you have time to burn, start at the very first post on this forum, when it first started, and read toward this page. You will discover a WEALTH of information to help you along. Helped me tons when I first started a few years ago. To unhide your email address, go to "My Control Center" at the top of the message list and follow the directions. You'll get a lot of direct emails pertinent to your questions. Helps Tom save bandwidth.

Bill in WV



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/21/2007 02:10PM by William Bartlett.

Van, click on MY CONTROL PANEL in the red bar at the top of the messages and EDIT E-mail settings and enter and CHECK VERIFY! Shoot me an e-mail at mabarkley@wowway.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!!

1) Before you buy any of the aforementioned books, or videos, etc, I highly recommend the "Credit Card & Debt Management:" book, a step-by-step how-to guide for organizing and managing credit card dept. 2) If you are maried, you can probably save some time and a whole lot of mula now by calling 1-800-DIVORCE. 3)Good luck. 4) Seriously though, it doesnt have to be expensive. 5) Follow some of Tom Kirkman's tips and you should be able to give it a try without too much expense. 6) Attend the International Custom Rod Building Exposition in February 2008 7) If you find yourself hooked, then return to step 1.

hahahaha you are sooooo right steven! tom kirkmans book was the first thing i have ever purchased for rodbuilding and it definately THE book to have for a new builder.

Van: go down to see the Black Dog folks. I've found them knowledgeable, helpful, good service -- and he builds rods, too.

Tony M