I am going down the rod many of you have already taken........what can you offer me in the way of suggestions so that I don't make the same mistakes you have made.....What about equipment any suggestions there or maybe you have a good used unit for sale.

Maury,
The very best suggestion that I can make is to go to a good rod shop and build your first rod under the supervision of an excellent rod builder.

None of the steps in rod building are rocket builder type steps, but all things do need to be done correctly for the best possible job.

If you build your first rod in a rod builders shop under his/her supervision, he/she will catch any potential mistakes before you make them. It will be an education that is well spent if you do it.

Take care
REW

p.s.
You can check out the library on this site for a wealth of information.
You can check out the builders tips at Mudhole.com for another set of excellent tips

You can build an excellent rod with very few tools. But having said that, the right tools and or more tools will generally make your job easier - but not necessarily better.

Roger thanks for the suggestions......I have already checked into the classes that Mudhole has......so that's a start because they aren't too far away from me here in West Palm Beach. I have already decided on a Batson Blank that isn't hugely expensive at $32.63. Thanks, Maury

I am only really a beginner myself having built 4 rods so far.

Before I started my first rod I watched the online video clips on the Mudhole website (also available on Youtube under "mudhole rod building") These were excellent and really showed me all the basic skills to get started. I've since picked up lots of tips from this forum to refine my skills.
I have not spoken to or met any other rod builders, because there aren't many here in my home state of Tasmania, AUS, but I'm extremely happy with the results I've achieved so far.

I am only really a beginner myself having built 4 rods so far.

Before I started my first rod I watched the online video clips on the Mudhole website (also available on Youtube under "mudhole rod building") These were excellent and really showed me all the basic skills to get started. I've since picked up lots of tips from this forum to refine my skills.
I have not spoken to or met any other rod builders, because there aren't many here in my home state of Tasmania, AUS, but I'm extremely happy with the results I've achieved so far.

Thanks Dale for your reply.....I will checkout Mudhole videos......Batson's videos on their website have also been helpful......Maury

Hey Maury, I'm just up in ,Port Saint Lucie and there are several custom builders in Palm Beach. I would be happy to help you through your first one but im sure there are several of the more exprienced builders in this area who have a ton more experience than me who would help. Try treasure coast rod and reel, Roy is close to you, has a ton of components that you could che k out, see what you like, and will definitely give you a bit of guidance if you ask.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/22/2011 09:28AM by Rufus Rhoden.

Get Tom Kirkman's book. At $15 it is a steal. Best bang for the buck is a trip to the EXPO in Feb. Seminars galore! Get your hands on every manufacturer's goods and meet all the players. Bill Batson will spend all the time with you you want. Scott Parsons will do the same as will Bill Stevens and Lance. Don't forget to bring an empty credit card - great deals.

Thanks Rufus for answering....I called Treasure Coast Rod and Reel and he refered me to Mudhole>

Thanks Rufus for answering....I called Treasure Coast Rod and Reel and he refered me to Mudhole.

Thanks Bill for answering......good info.....Tom Kirkman's Book on Amazon is $7.95 ordered it so in a few days I'll have it. I will check out that Expo when it comes around......Maury

Thanks Bill for answering......good info.....Tom Kirkman's Book on Amazon is $7.95 ordered it so in a few days I'll have it. I will check out that Expo when it comes around......Maury

I'm an amateur but have done 20 or so builds, shoot me an email, I'd be happy to share some experience or let you use some shop time.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

Been building about 2 years here just rods for me and friends, ie still a novice.

An inexpensive blank for #1 is a great idea. Keep it simple-1 color thread, no trim, rubber winding check.

The Tom Kirkman book is great. Get that and read it. Keep it as a reference. As someone else said-it's the best $15 you can spend in rodbuilding.

The Batson videos are much better than the Mudhole videos. Clear, easy to understand, and well done: [www.batsonenterprises.com]

Buy a set of reamers. They will save you time and frustration. You can probably just get by with the small and medium size unless you are building a big rod.

Use the foam arbors to mount your reel seat. Easier, cleaner and neater for your first effort. Since you are ordering from Batson, their handle kits are a good deal. Don't use masking tape.

Go ahead and buy a drier. The one Mudhole sells is perfectly adequate and not expensive.

If you use black thread, it will hide a lot of beginner mistakes. I have used Gudebrod and ProWrap thread. Both are good. I would like to try FishHawk.

You can build a rod wrapper in an hour. or just use a cardboard box for your first one. No need (and not desirable) to buy a powered wrapper. I almost made that mistake before building #1.

Rod Bond is great for gluing stuff up.

I have found the thread finish that Mud Hole sells (ProKote) to be very easy to use as a beginner

At the drug store they sell Isopropyl Alcohol in 2 strengths. Get a quart of the 91%. It's great for cleaning up everything related to epoxy and finish.

Before touching thread or your blank, wash your hands and fingers well with dish washing detergent to remove oils. I rewash every time I take a break.

Good luck

Drew

Whatever you end up building, sign and date it. Fish it and enjoy it. Learn from it and appreciate it as the 'best' you could do at that time in your development as a builder. You don't have to start out as an experienced builder. Above all .... keep it and don't re-do any of it. Use it as a measuring stick to your improvement. I re-did my first rod but to this did regret that it is not in its original state. Enjoy!

Thanks Drew Your info is fantastic.....This is just the kind of good info I need.....Be talking to you again soon. Maury

Thanks Steve for answering........I never thought about signing and dating each rod to tell where I am in my development......That is a damn good idea......I will do it......Maury

While buying an inexpensive blank is not entirely a bad idea, remember the cost of components are high. Finished results may not be what you want, but you will have a fish-able rod for sure. I have rebuilt several of my first builds because the thread work was undesirable. The difference in cost between RX7 and RX8 is very small. I would spend the extra 20 bucks or so on the better blank. Lot's of videos on you tube to learn from. When I started, I bought every book I could find and watched videos online. Most importantly is take your time and don't get impatient. I ruined my first build because I wanted to fish with it and rushed the build. Don't be afraid to strip thread work if its not looking good. It makes for good practice.

Brandon, Good advice.....I plan to take my time and not rush......Thanks for answering.....Maury

Just because it is your first rod does not mean it cannot turn out great if you are careful. I bought Tom's book and Garcia's video and my first rod turned out just fine, it was very simple, basic nothing fancy. My second rod, not so great: the epoxy didn't set up. If you do a search, you will probably get hundreds of comments about epoxy finish problems and how to avoid them. Mix exactly equal portions and mix mix mix. Pour it out on foil and blow the bubbles out with a drinking straw. Sorry, but I found it very difficult to get the bubbles out of u40 LS supreme so I no longer use it. Like Drew said, keep everything clean. Wipe your tools and razor blades off with alcohol, too. Oh, and read this forum.