Hey guys new to building and wanted to start making bass fishing rods for my father and I, and maybe a few friends to start. I wanted to get your opinion on what Rod Wrapper I should purchase. I am interested in a hand wrapper, and I noticed that FlexCoat makes a hand wrapper. I would rather purchase than make my own to start. Maybe down the line I will construct my own. Any advice would be great. Any other essentials I should get to start? Sorry for such a basic question but I gotta start somewhere.

i recommend a cardboard box and telephone book to start. after you have wrapped a few rods you will better understand your techniques. this will in turn allow you to be more informed about what you need so you pick the right wrapper for you. i personally like the sully's and eco-wrapper and have both. each has pros and cons. there are many good wrappers out there and all do the job.

Get some CD's on building and Tom K's book There is also a Search funtion of this site for questions and plenty of nfo

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2009 02:23PM by bill boettcher.

The basic Flex Coat hand wrapper will serve you well. The model with the additional free standing support is very worthwhile. This will make building those first rods much, much easier.

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I agree with Tom, the Flex Coat wrapper is a perfect fit for the beginner. Flex Coat also offers a small book titled "Step by Step Rod Building" along with a CD titled "Flex Coat Rod Building "How We Do It"". Both are inexpensive and well worth while for someone just starting. The CD really simplifies the beginning craft and also shows methods of wrapping without a ready built wrapper. Best of luck in starting this great craft.

Vern

Just my 2 cents worth...I started by making very simple rod supports (3 of them) out of scrap 1X6 material. That took all of 10 minutes. I recommend you purchase the @#$%& thread tension device (Mudhole carries it)...it works beautifully. That's really all you need to get started. A drying motor to turn the rod when you apply the finish is nice to have as well, but not an absolute necessity. If you have a BBQ rotisserie motor, you can use that.

Get some masking tape and single edge blades and you are good to go.

That will tell you if building is something you want to pursue. If it isn't, you are out $20 or so for equipment. If it becomes an addiction, you're in good company.

Jay use the Directory at the top of this page and make arrangements to visit a rodbuilder nearby. It will greatly speed your learning curve and you will probably meet one who you can call a friend for life!

You will be absolutely amazed at how fast you can develop skills with a minimum of upfront expenses.

Mudhole also offers some very nice FREE videos online:

[www.mudhole.com]

Great place to start and get a feel before you buy anything.

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The Flex Coat wrapper will suit you well I have 1 I still that I use from time to time.

Jay, Give karen and I a call, we would like to help you out with your questions and supplies. Thank you Scott

I, too am a novice, but one of the best things I did was to attend the Expo & go to the seminars. What an education!!

These Videos might be worth a look.

[www.youtube.com]