What are the top things to consider? I'm new to this.

I'm trying to understand epoxy and sanding/refurbishing rods.

I loved this resource. Maybe we should add this here:
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Cory Lowe
Man of 10,000 Lakes

There is not a lot that is dangerous with rod building. You mentioned epoxy and yes it can be hazardous to many. Exposure to the skin should be avoided., Also obviously power tools should be handled properly,

If you plan on getting into the use of a lathe, it is a whole other game as far as safety.

What Phil said. No real need to add much else as far as advice goes.

OK, what are epoxy safety tips? Do I need to do it outside? Do I need special gloves? Do I need to let it completely dry outside? Or is it just that some people are extra sensitive?

If/when sanding rods, so I need some sort of special face mask?

Epoxy doesn't have significant fume problems, but it can be tough on skin. Try not to get it on you. Thread epoxy should be fairly easy not to get on you. If having problems with rod buidling epoxy you could wear gloves. Yes, if you are going to sand rod blanks you should be outside and wear a mask (respirator). I would be very careful around sanding rods. Generally you can completely strip a rod (epoxy and paint) without having to sand. Slightly dull razor blade held at 90 degrees works well to scrape of epoxy and paint, and scotch brite leaves a nice surface without truly sanding.

Why would you be sanding rods?

Phil, maybe I won't. I heard somewhere to try to refurbish rods, which was what I was talking about. I won't try that at the beginning.

Cory Lowe
Man of 10,000 Lakes

Don’t fry bacon naked!!!

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

Lol. Good call!

For some reason some people seem to be allergic to epoxy, but most people are not. No fumes as previously mentioned. You likely will not have reactions to epoxy, but simply use care to avoid getting it on you. It's very easy to get it tracked onto the rod blank and if it cures, you won't easily get it off. Denatured alcohol is good for cleaning uncured epoxy up off wherever it ends up. I would avoid stronger solvents that have strong fumes. There is no need for them anyway.

If you do sand blanks it's probably wise to wet sand them to avoid dust. Unless you refurbish you probably will not be doing that. There are suggetions on this in the post on NFC ridges on this forum.

Note:
There are a couple of materials that work really well - both for cleaning as well as thinning other adhesives.
These two materials are

Acetone
Xylene

Although both of these materials work much better than virtually any other material for both cleaning as well as thinning epoxy and similar uses, they are VERY HAZARDOUS and need to be used with the upmost caution and with excellent ventilation.

I routinely use these chemicals, but I only use either one with the upmost caution and care.

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With respect to working with a lathe to use to shape grips and or work on blanks.
Do not ever wear gloves when using a lathe. I was warned not to use gloves while using a lathe and almost paid with the loss of a finger or multiple fingers when the tip of one gloved finger got caught in the work that was being turned.
Fortunately, the glove was ripped off my hand with no damage to my hand/s.

Best wishes



Best wishes



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/24/2022 02:37PM by roger wilson.

I argue that acetone is not necessary for successful rod building, I've never used it, have not needed it, and IMHO it's too risky.

wear eye protection when you're flexing rods/blanks.

xylene should be avoided in rod building, there is no need to use it! It is dangerous !!

I agree with Roger, Acetone and Xylene are excellent solvents, Xylene is does a good job of removing silicone which is a major cause of fish eyes.

YES, these solvents like any other solutions can be risky and dangerous if your are ignorant of their hazards, or careless in applying and handling, or not using PPE (personal protection equipment).

Also we are not talking large amounts of solvent to wipe a blank or clean up around reel seats and grips.

Don't be intimidated by the dangers of solvents, they are very effective and safe when properly handled.

The save use of any chemical, tool or activity is determined by the amount of effort or awareness you apply to it

Bottom line use what you are comfortable with and works for you.

Have fun.

My safety tips; don't cut the tips of your fingers off with a chop saw for the length adjustment of the rod butt and inhaling the epoxy and solvent used will not get you high, but in the state of California they could cause cancer. Oh also, you could poke your eye out with tip of the blank. Wear safety glasses.

Yes, we can talk about proper care, properly handled, amount of effort to use properly, awareness, etc etc etc. "Awareness" doesn't do anything without action. I guess I'm lazy. I like to use effective, efficient, materials inside the house without worrying about whether or not I have the proper ventilation. With alcohol, no problems and it works for everything I've needed.

I remember the time when there was a recommended de-greaser/cleaner that ultimately was found to have a very severe influence on people who had recently drunk an alcoholic drink. Can't remember the name of it, but it was universally used. Until a woman cleaning up stains after a party died.

I'm not a California nutcase who thinks everything including air and water need cancer warnings.

x2 on the gloves while using the lathe. any loose clothing (i.e flannel shirt sleeves etc.) should be avoided IMO. Bench grinders too, not that theres much use for them in rod building. maybe some use them for guide feet IDK.

years ago when i worked in a shop, i saw a guy get his shirt ripped off on a bench grinder, granted he was a poster boy for what not to do with tools as he was also missing fingers and half a thumb from a miter saw accident years earlier..poor Stu was a mess.