I am trying to get started in rod building. What should I buy first? Should I take a class? What book or video should I buy to see what I am getting into? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Q

I would highly recommend an class if one is available near by. The process in the purest form is not that difficult and being able to "watch" someone do it will take much less time than reading books about it. There are a few good books out there on beginning rodbuilding, and a few members of this message board have authored them. I will let them suggest what they may for you. Then by either reading or watching you should get a good grasp of what you need. Actually, you can wrap a rod with as little as a cereal bowl and a thick book. It is a little harder this way, but no investment is needed. The technique will probably be outlined in some of the books. If you want a hand wrapper, check @#$%&, I have seen flexcoat wrappers go for $15. (Just might have to be patient) You can build your own too, it is kind of fun, but if you have never wrapped before you may not know what you need or want. Anyway, if you have questions, this is the place. I am sure many will follow my comments.
Happy wrapping.
Elrod

By all means arm yourself with some good background info before you start. Get a couple books, maybe a video. If you can find a class in your area, that is certainly a good way to start.

Rod building is not particularly hard, but the more information you have before you start the better off you will be. And please never hesitate to use this board or any of the others if you run into a snag and need some help.

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i am in you rboat. i would highly recommend getting together with Richard's Rod & Reel. he'll make you up a starter kit including what is supposed to be the best book around. It's by some guy named Kirkman something or other :-)LOL. anyway, he'll get you the tools, materials, blank, handle whatever. you can customize it to whatever price/quality level you want.

I got my start in Rodbuilding by taking a course at my local Vo-Tech here in Cape may Co. it was 2 Hrs a night 1 night a week for 10 weeks I learned a lot of info and sources of parts and equipt.
We actually built our first rod in class Check it out in your area

Thanks for the plug Matt and I'll do my best. Our new catalog lists kits that are complete to get going. In fact, we named them "Get Started" and includes the book mentioned. I suggest also there are very good videos available to see first hand how it's done.

Once you become familiar with the technique, whether attending a beginner's class or jumping in and following what you've book learned or are seeing first hand through a good instructional video, the help you'll get from places like this message board will get you on the right track. The use of the more than basic equipment will help you along to a most enjoyable past time.

Need any help about the supplies, visual or reading material please feel free to contact me.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel