I've had plenty of custom rods built for me over the years, and have a firm grasp on what I want on a rod. I understand a lot about how rods go together and a working knowledge of expoxy, clear coat, seats, etc...

What is the minumum tools I would need to produce a good rod? I can usually find the spine without too much problem, and I believe I could get the seat and guides in a nice straight line.

So the questions other questions are:
How do I do reel seats?...what type of arbors (tape foam etc...) do I need and how large does the seat need to be bored out?
Do I use Rod bond on the seat?
What do I use on cork?
What on guides?...Is the flexcoat it?
Do I need a turner to get it to dry even?...if not how often do I need to turn it by hand, and how far each time...1/4 turn, 1/2? How many coats of flex coat? How do you know if you need color preserver or not with different colors?
What brands of expoxy and finish work best?
Easiest way to get cork glued together even and sanded even? Can I accomplish this without a lathe?

Is there a good book I can read to get started?

thanks guys and sorry for all the questions...I just have so many done each year I think it's time to start wrapping these myself.

-Sam

You might enjoy watching some of the YouTube video series on rodbuilding. Since you mentioned Flexcoat, they have a series as do some of the large retailers in the left column like Mudhole.

You can buy all your parts premade and simply assemble them or you can pick and choose some parts you might wish to make yourself, like grips from cork rings. The more you want to do yourself, the more gear you will need. But, as equipment goes, probably the first thing you will want to consider is a means to turn the rod automatically while the finish cures.

Get Tom Kirkman's book on rod building, a must for newbies!

My first few rods were done on two sets of rollers I made with grey rubber wheels I got from Lowe's and a homemade thread tensioner. My epoxy dryer was the same set of wheels and my hands. The first half hour of drying is critical. After that it's much less of a headache. My first "power" investment was a drying motor setup.

Tape for arbors and Flexcoat for finishing.

The online video clips are really the best way to get started. They will answer virtually all of your questions.

Have a look on the websites for Mudhole and Flexcoat, or go onto youtube and search for "Mudhole Rodbuilding"

Personally I really like using the full length foam arbors which are matched to the diameter of the reel seat.

Since you are familiar with custom rods, but not the process for making them, all the suggestions above are good. There is a ton of material in print and on the internet that answers most of the general questions.

You will have specific questions on certain steps that you may not get or possibly don't have the right tools for. The best way to use the folks on this board is to narrow down your question and ask specifics here, or do a search on the board for that topic as it has likely been covered. We're all happy to help but you get a better response with more specific questions.

Go forth and wrap!

Terry

I wouldn't start with my dream rod.
There's a learning curve with any craft.
The easiest way to get started is to buy a kit that includes epoxy, thread, finish, instructions and all the parts.
Cabela's has some Pac-Bay rod kits, on sale, that are excellent
If the kit rod isn't something that you would want, give it to someone else...The experience is what you need.
Beyond the kit, you will need masking tape, a single edge razor blade, a ruler, and some reamers.
If you are handy you can build a rod winder, if not, buy one or cut notches in a cardboard box...
I bought a rod dryer first thing, but, as has been stated, hand drying is possible.
Once you make that first rod, you will know 100% more than you do now.

If you have the opportunity, take a rod building class. I was fortunate to have the chance to take a class with a well known rod builder here in East Hampton,NY - Al Goldberg - and it was a great experience. If no formal classes around, find out if there are any builders that live in your area - that is a question you can post here. Even so, you will still have tons of questions that can be answered by reading, watching the online videos, reviewing topics previously discussed here, asking specific questions here and, most of all, by practicing, practicing, practicing. Good luck and welcome to a very addictive hobby.

Mudhole, one of the Board's sponsors llisted on the left, offers classes at multiple locations around the country. About 150 bucks gets you a 1 1/2 day class, and all the tools and supplies you need to walk away with your first spinning build. Great instructors and great peopple to work with.

x2 on Tom Kirkman's book

Can't find a friendlier or more helpful Forum than this one right here; incredible experience base to learn from.

I stated with Tom's book and Dale Clemens' Advanced Custom Rod Building. I read both cover to back (Tom's is MUCH shorter). You can read either and build a rod. My suggestion? Pick up Tom's, read it, and then learn as you go.

I also suggest that your first rod not be intended to be your dream rod. Buy a cheaper blank and don't spend much on components. Some people rock it out on their first build, but many don't...I sure as heck did not! LoL Once you get a rod done you'll understand the things you read much more.

First, get Tom's book. It really does answer most questions you may have. If you are still interested, then build or buy a hand wrapper. purchase some inexpensive blanks and guides. Play around with wrapping the guides and decorative wrapping if you are so inclined.
While you are doing that, check out the photo section of this site. This will do 2 things...1. give you some great ideas. 2. make you feel like a no talent chump!

Good luck!

all the ideas are good what i did is i went to some yard sales in my area and bought some old rods and pulled the eyelets and then practiced on the old blanks
just to see if i could make an old rod come to life it was fun and it only cost me a couple of bucks and time this craft is somthing that is adictive and fun best of all you will meet some awesome people with the addiction

Also on the photo page there are a lot of Home Made things like reamers from scrap blanks Wrappers and dryers made from different materials that you can make putting ideas from different companies equipment

Bill - willierods.com

Sam, you may also want to post up your location and see if there is an established builder in your area, willing to mentor you.

You really want to use Tom Kirkman's book. Idid and I was able to build really nice rods right aff the bat. Best way to get started. I hopoe you love to learn because rod building will have you learning forever. Best thing I ever got into.