Where do I start? I've read everything I can get my hands on. I have a small 6' 6" baitcasting rod that needs the guides replaced. The handle is perfectly fine. I have a few questions then I guess I'll be ordering some supplies for my first try.

1. What all do I need to do the actual wraps with? Here's my list:
Finish epoxy
Color protector
1-2 spools of thread
Guides obviously

2. Can anyone recommend a cheap set of double footed ceramic guides? It's 6' 6", 7 guides + tip, 1/4 - 1 oz, 10-20 lb line. The rod isn't worth 20 bucks so I don't want to spend much but don't want crap.

3. How do I remove the left over epoxy from the blank?

4. How do I get the factory printing off the rod above the handle, with the logo, weight and line specs?

5. Who makes a cheap epoxy that'll work for the guides? I don't want to spend $11-15 for a few oz of epoxy...too rich for this old cheapo rod.

I'll be using a cardboard box and phone book for my wrapping station. Thanks for any help.

1. masking tape, razor blade, something to burnish with(fingernail may work), something to mix epoxy in and with, something to apply epoxy with ( I use the cheap brushes, many other options too)

2. Look at any of the sponsors on the left, Acid Rod and Mudhole will have just about anything you should need. Check out their specials and complete guide sets.

3. Use a hair dryer Don't apply too much heat though. Warm it up and it should come off fairly easy. Using a razor blade (I use a metal burnishing tool so I don't damage the blank) attack at a 90 degree angle from the blank, kinda scraping. Should come right off. Be careful not to damage your blank

4. Do a tiger wrap over it!!!

5. I think you can get loaded syringes.....just get a 2oz kit, you'll need it on your next rod....seriously!

Mike

Hunter,
Have a look at this threadl, there's a whole load of information from beginning to end of a fly rod build.
Philip.

[www.flyforums.co.uk]

Unless you just want double ft guides? Single ft guides will improve the performance over doubles on that rod and save you some money. I suggest staying away from Micros on your first build as they increase the frustration/learning curve a bit because of their small size
my suggestion would by to go with a 8mm double ft for you stripper guide then a 7mm- and 6mm's to the tip. You will find the Batson hard alloy guides can be purchased at a good price.
Get a matching tip that will fit your rod

When I do a complete strip and rebuild I use CitriStrip to remove all the old finish from the blank and then rewrap on the bare graphite. This is much easier than trying to remove the old thread finish without damaging the old blank finish. I prefer the look of the bare graphite, but you could refinish the blank with Permagloss if you prefer.

Steve is right that single foot #6 guides are probably the easiest for a beginner to work with, and still perform very well.

I believe that Cableas sells Flex Coat in single use foil pouches.

Thanks guys that helps a lot.

One thing is how do I pick a set of guides? Single footed is fine I suppose, the rod just had double footed and I thought they were better quality. Can anyone recommend a set or if I have to buy them single what sizes to get? It had 7 guides + tip from the factory.

Also I'll be using it for light saltwater, mainly fishing live bait for flounder with a 5600 Abu fishing 12 lb mono if that matters for guide size.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/05/2010 09:13PM by Hunter Hudson.