Cool to read this. Nearly these exact same words are part of my motto for my business. I’m making tools. I also prefer a clean, minimalist look to my rods, so that is what I’m building.
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Dude me neither. I rushed everything. I had epoxy not cure, wraps too tight or loose, misaligned guides. You name it. The run of ice rods Im doing right now. Im going painfully slow but my rods actually look professionally built as a result. Remember this process is unforgiving and mistakes are sometimes not noticed until the epoxy is going on or already dry. If it ain’t right, fix it now
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Do not set a deadline for the rod to be completed or for any one step in the process to be finished. Go slow then slower.
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Roger you have an awesome set up! I love it. I’m taking some notes. I currently have my first “perfect” ice rod drying now. It’s not perfect but for me, it’s pretty dang close. I feel I finally have a system. I think wrapping tips on thin rods will always be a challenge on some level though.
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Ive done the last two using the pedal. I sort of have it down. The tip I just wrapped on my lunch break turned out extremely well. I have a first coat of epoxy drying on it now. I love these moments, unlocking some new technique that totally reinvigorates your spirit.
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It’s used to build ice rod handles. For example:
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I did talk to a local guy here who gave me some advice I will try out in the interim. But I’m absolutely going to use the fiberglass idea. Not sure after I build these 8 I’ve got on my list, haha. I may just specialize in walleye ice rods.
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You know, I’ve got a spare fiberglass mounting tube. I bet I could drill out a shallow hole in my wrapping jig to hold it. I could run a little thread finish in the notch of that mounting tube to make it smooth. That just might work.
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Hmmm, that makes sense. Would any bobbin work?
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Hello all, I am in the process of wrapping some ultralight ice rods. I also recently converted to a power wrapper in the DC777. With my CRB hand wrapper, I bought an attachment for the wrapper from Mud Dog rods here in Duluth, MN, which helped somewhat. However this part wouldn't work with the DC777. I had hoped to avoid using a tip top, since the rod tips are orange. Putting a black or
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What expo? I’m a newbie and am interested in learning more.
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I’ve been kicking around this idea of an Ugly Stick, but upgraded. Quality glass blank. Run a nice EVA grip on it. I think it would make a great canoe rod for River smallies. This blank and it’s price seems to fit the bill.
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I think so too. I bought an asset not a liability. Can’t wait to get it. Shout out to Get Bit who also has been amazing. They will always be the first place I check for supplies. Always.
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Thanks all. I feel good about it. I’ve taken to this very quickly. Once I learn the nuances of the new wrapper I think my product quality will go way up. Very excited.
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I guess I have thought about it enough. Just ordered the DC777 from Get Bit. Thanks for the info John!
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Well, I spoke with John, and I think Ive been swayed to the DC777. Its a lot of coin, but after reading and watching more videos on it, I think it will pay for itself in a short amount of time. Im new to this, but even with the hand wrapper I have, I have been putting out some respectable ice rods. Nothing mind blowing, but Im putting out rods better than your average store bought at this po
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I know this is topic that has been beating to death and in my google searching there is some decent info out there though much of it is several years old. Looking for a fresh perspective from the modern day. With what is available today for hand wrappers what would you recommend to someone who does not care for the CRB wrapper? My main gripe with the CRB is the tension on the spools. It i
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