Is it okay to just build a small ramp with rod finish instead of using aluminum winding checks. They look nice but are expensive and add weight. Thank you.

Yes - many do just that.
I happen to like WC's - similarly I like mouldings in homes.
Herb

Keith,
Remember a built up ramp has weight as well.
I am not sure that you actually save any weight by using a ramp.
In any event, why does a quarter of a gram in the area of the reel make any difference any way?

Take care

Good point Roger, and I do like the way the aluminum dimpled checks look.

I normally just use epoxy finish. It will tend to wick up against a flat surface such as the forefront of a foregrip or blunt ended seat section. If it spreads to far, you can use the alcohol soaked end of a folded paper towel against the surface the epoxy is climbing on while the rod turns to square and size things.

.........

Keith,
One way or the other, all of the above replies are correct. Personally, I do not care for the flashy looks of most winding checks and employ thread epoxy in lieu of on a regular basis. A precisely reamed and fitted cork foregrip deserves to have the crisp edge exposed and a small ramp of clear epoxy affords such. Other times I may add some sort of pigment to the epoxy. With an epoxy ramp, the fit is inherently perfect without having to size a winding check and possibly scratch the blank in the process.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I use epoxy which I usually dye to a certain color but mostly black. Once the epoxy sets up a little I apply it and shape as needed with my finger with some DA. After that I can add thread if I like and finish it with finish

You only need a winding check if your cork or whatever seat/grip element is poorly fit OR you prefer the look of one. I like the black flexible rubber/vinyl ones not because I need them, but I think they really look good and make the transition from the component to the blank look good. I totally encapsulate them, forming a nicely curved filet of wrap epoxy over them;

I also like winding checks. It gives the rod some more added character. Personally...I would never build a rod without a winding check. Everybody is always concerned about a little extra weight and I don't understand that. How much weight does a WC add to a rod? And is that extra weight going to cause more fatigue on the fisherman or what is the issue? I can understand professional cyclists wanting lighter bikes and less weight when racing for thousands of miles but have never understood why lighter rods is such an issue. I don't think I have ever picked up a heavy fishing rod. One more opinion I have is for the $3-$4 you'll spend on a winding check is nothing compared to the time you will own the rod and fish with the rod or put your name on the rod you built. When I was younger and stupider...my wife and I bought a new car. To have AC in the car was $300. We chose to save money and got the car without air and regretted it for the 10 years we owned the car. If you like the look of a WC...pay the $4 or less and put them on your builds....that is just my opinion.