Okay, it started simply enough, I wanted to purchase new rods, and wanted some quality rods for my Bass fishing arsonal. So after some devoted time on the internet researching differant rods and rod builders, and seeinf the cost of such an undertakeing, i decided to take my time, and build my own. So i build my Rod Jig/Lathe. I buy some quality blanks. Make deessions on what type of handle, reel seat, guides, thread color, and everything else from bonding agents to finishes. I read endless articles on thread work, weaving, inlays, and everything else involved, and I start my first build. I spent the better part of Yesterday in the Kitchen annoying my wife while I wrapped, and rewraped guides on my first build. slowly adding finish to the threads. checking for bubbles and trying my best to make it perfect... (yes I will be posting somepictures very soon) then today. an hour before I go to work, I take the cured rod off the finishing motor, (epoxy was cured so that it wasnt tacky to the touch) and mount one of my reels. I carry it outside and do some casting with it. All I can say is Perfect!!!! Even My wife said it is a work of art. So I call my brother over to take a look. Unfortunatly my other brother was with him, so they both show up within mins. The Rod is a 7 foot baitcaster with a simple spiral wrap. Eva grips with a Fuji TPS seat. Black threads with red and silver accent bands, a Matte gray or matte Black finish. The Rod is Beautiful, and soon meets the approval of both of my brothers. They leave and within mins, bioth have showed up again at my house with 6 differant rods for repair..... so are broken gudies, broken tips, one with a reel seat that has come unglued. One of the six has nothing wrong with it, but Bill wants a Simple Spiral wrap on it, so what is a guy to do here. I guess I should have kept my new hobby a secret from them....

Bobby - Sounds like your first is a winner! Congrats! Just one caution - it's best to let the finish cure for a few days before serious flexing (fishing or even test casting). Actually I have one more caution... get equal labor from your brothers! ;)

Bobbie welcome to the world of rod building. An other word of caution Never give friends or relatives a break. By that I mean charge everyone the same. Word will get out and everyone will want the same deal

Good Wraps Bob

I give my buddies and relatives cheap or free work in exchange for work in their specialties. Fixing a few rods worked out to pay for a new head gasket in my car, skid loader work, and a bunch of trash hauled off for free.

Use your friends and relatives for testing subjects when you try new things because they will give you thier honest oppinion.

You got into this the same way I did - only 30 plus years ago. I simply could not find what I wanted in an 'off the rack' rod.

Your post is an inspiration. I have been doing just as you did- reading, following posts on his forum, searching for parts for a rod wrapper, looking at all the supplies and rod components available - and had just about decided to give it up. All the experts on this forum know so much more than I could learn in 50 years, and the science behind most aspects of rod building seems so impossibly difficult that it was intimidating. But, now, your success has shown me that I, too, can be a rod builder.

Glad to be of service, and I know what you mean, When first getting one here, i asked what i thought was a simple question, got 50 complicated answers, and thought i would never be able to do this... but i made a few friends that helped me personally. Email me, if you have any questions... arkansaspirate@yahoo.com. I will help you in anyway I can. If i dont know an answer, then we can get it form some someone little more experienced.