Building vs buying.

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Re: Building vs buying.

Posted by: Jim Gamble (97.106.17.---)

Date: January 22, 2011 10:14AM

DEFINITELY it is more expensive to build your own. For what I have "invested" in tools, equipment, workbenches, components and supplies ... I could have purchased a dozen rods, a dozen reels, 3-4 tackle bags full of high-end products AND a new boat to fish them all.

In addition, I could add back thousands of hours which were spent learning the trade - including ungluing my fingers from various items, crawling around on the floor looking for micro-guides, explaining to my wife why a "clean room" was more important than a spare bedroom for guests, explaining to my wife why a trip to Charlotte or High Point was more important than a family vacation AND best of all ... explaining why the US Mail truck is more exciting than any other vehicle in town.

Let's face it - rod building is an addiction. Yes, it IS healthier than most - IF you keep your fingers out of the lathe and the ventilation going while working with smelly stuff. However, it is addictive and costly. ANYONE who thinks they are going to "save money" by crafting their own is highly incorrect. This is an expensive hobby - but LOTS of fun and very rewarding.

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