Would you use a low or high build for a 7'6" med power , med fast action 8-18 lb, 38/3/4 oz?

Either, just depends on what you are comfortable and good at applying. You can apply a light coat of a standard or high viscosity finish and achieve the same thickness of a coat applied with a low viscosity finish. If it takes more than one coat to achieve the thickness and covering you are looking for, whats the big deal.

I usually apply an initial coat of low build epoxy, just enough to coat the wrap and fill the tunnel. I follow up the next day with a coat of high build. This usually does the trick. This isn't the only way to do it but it works for me.

I recommend Flex Coat Ultra V which is a High Build formula for that rod. You can achieve a thin or thick coat with Ultra V easily and it has superior adhesion. Technique is everything in applying finish. Check out this video that changed my life on finish application:
[www.youtube.com]

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Depends upon what you are looking for. The laws of physics predict the quickest response from the lightest leveraged rod, all other factors being equal. As far as durability, I have found no evidence that multiple layers of finish, including epoxy, make rods more durable.

For many years, I have used only high build finish and I normally complete a rod with 1+ coats of rod finish.

I always use a touch of gentle heat during the application of finish and the gentle heat lets the finish level and cover very well. Perhaps 1 in 20 rods might require a partial 2nd coat, but that is a rarity.

But, use the finish and the techniques that work best for you during your rod building. Every person is different with different tools, equipments, likes, dislikes and unique abilities that someone may not have. Such is the nature of this business.

Every rod is built essentially the same. i.e. a blank is made, components are made for the rod blank. The components are glued and attached to the rod by glue and thread. An inscription may be added or not. A finish is added over the thread wraps. The rod is dried, and finally shipped or put to use. But in those lists of tasks are the possibility of a million different ways to complete those tasks and for the individual involved, the components, and methods used are absolutely 100% correct.

But, for the next person those methods used by person #1 may be 100% incorrect.

But, just because one does a job differently, does not make the method incorrect, it only makes it different.

Have a great day.