I am new to this, my father had quite the knack back when I was younger.....have just received in the mail my first kit from Mudhole........my question is, the cork rings that I have seen while doing my research.......I am gathering that these are used to fill the space between the reel seat and the blank? I have also seen some info saying that a thick layer of masking tape could be used to form the "spacer"......any tips on this would be greatly appreciated. And I am sure this will not be my last fact finding post.

Brent,

The cork rings you are seeing are used to make custom handles, you glue a bunch of them together and then shape the cork with a lathe. As far as making up space between the blank and the reel seat, you can certainly use masking tap, or they sell reel seat arbors for that purpose also. I have used both methods and have had just as good of results from each.

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

Great info, many thanks. That makes a lot of sense. I am also assuming that you use epoxy to set the reel seat too. Will share as my first build comes together (or apart). Thansk again.

Yes, you should use an epoxy adhesive to bond the reels seat to your arbors and blank. I prefer Rod Bond for that purpose, but there are many other brands that can be used.

-Mike

Do yourself a favor and get a good book before you start. Even better go to the ICBRE and catch the beginning rod builder seminar. Best $10 you will spend.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

I'll Second Fred's suggestion Come to high point and look around. You will learn a lot

Brent where are you located/? You may have a builder close to you
Good Wraps Bob

Brent -You would be wise to order Flex Coat's "How we do it CD"

Bret----I meant DVD