It doesn't sound like a method that would require a unique rod blank. Unless your client is looking for a much lighter rod than the application calls for. I would think any blank with a MH action and a fast taper would do the trick.
Forum: rodboard

Ill echo the same sentiments above. I keep all my supplies in plano boxes. I keep all my guides in one, brushes in another, small grips in another..etc. This keeps things simplified and orderly.
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Its all about preference and application. I have tried several and they all equally work well. Its all about the 'epoxier' as Tom put it. If you like a single coat epoxy, use that. If you like a light build epoxy, medium..blah blah..you get the idea.
Forum: rodboard

I can see some different opinions here, which is what I expected :) On the builds Ive done thus far, sometimes I feel like making it decorative and sometimes I feel like building a minimalistic build. Its all about preference, never any right or wrong answer.
Forum: rodboard

I have some very ornate and good looking wraps on rods that I could only dream of creating. I would only assume that these types of rods are used infrequently or solely as a piece of art. Building offshore rods I would assume would allow for more creative wraps since the weight of the rod isn't as crucial. I do plan on building a tuna rod at some point where I will be more creative than I have
Forum: rodboard

Tom updated the list with the 'Expo Exhibitor Update' topic a couple lines down.
Forum: rodboard

I would love to be able to do weaves and such..BUT time does not permit for such things. It took me like 20 hours to finish up a butt wrap that completely covered the blank. I am hoping to be able to do my next one in half that time.
Forum: rodboard

I was thinking of the mounted version thus the question about the head lights. My bench doesn't lead well to a clip so I would need a stand type probably.
Forum: rodboard

Since all my builds have been for personal use I just have learned to make the builds more functional than anything else. I am finding that the minimalistic approach works out better. I did marbling at first and it was fun to dabble in. Then I found it a bit too much for what I wanted the rod to be. My best rod so far is one that I stripped the paint off an old blank which gave me an awesome
Forum: rodboard

When I first started rod building, I wanted to build rods with as many decorative styles as I could get on a rod. Now that I have built several rods I have come to realize that it is more important to build a rod with function in mind and not decoration. So what Ive been doing recently is having a decorative butt wrap and having simplistic wraps on the guides. Im pretty sure that everyone agr
Forum: rodboard

I am also looking for a magnifier with an LED light source. I was looking on Amazon for an option. Im not sure if the head-light option is better or the table mount is better. Anyone have any input on whether or not one is better than the other?
Forum: rodboard

I have built maybe 10 rods at this point and the only time I used a set spacing was on my first rod. The static load test is the true definer of where the guides should be. I usually will do a load test with a reel I plan to use so there are no 'gotchas' when I go to use the rod. I use hair ties that I stole from the wifey..just cut them in half. They have a decent hold for a static load test
Forum: rodboard

happy new year!
Forum: rodboard

My experience thus far is to at least coat the underwrap with CP. For my saltwater build, I also put on a light coat of epoxy on the underwrap. This prevents the overwrap from digging into the underwrap. I found out the hard way that not applying at least CP to the underwrap will result in bad things.
Forum: rodboard

I was able to find a reel seat for the fly rod. I used Donald's suggestion by checking out the OD of the butt and compared it to a reel seat ID. It ended up being a size 7.
Forum: rodboard

I ordered a fly rod from muhole because it seemed like a good deal. I didn't get a reel seat for it yet because I was a bit confused about them. I see there are different sizes. The rod is a 5 wt so what would be the best size reel seat for it?
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I fully understand that something could become stressful. Has anyone stopped building rods because it did become too stressful? I get frustrated sometimes with it just because I want the rod to come out a specific way and sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. Since it is a hobby at this point, its not that big of a deal. If I as building for a customer and it didn't come out right, I
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Lots of things to consider for sure. Like I said previously, no money made as of yet. So far, thinking the feasibility of the business probably isn't that great. I would love to devote all my time to get it up and running but the reality is that there are other things that are more important. Ill keep researching and seeing what is possible. Thanks for all the replies.
Forum: rodboard

I haven't thought too far into it yet. I would like to do volume, however, you kinda need a customer base first :) Infancy stages at this point. Just trying to determine the feasibility while having a full time job.
Forum: rodboard

I am familiar with creating spreadsheets and such so the 'being organized' is one thing I tend to lean towards. I would definitely invest in a QuickBooks version. I would definitely need to keep track of my expenses and such. I have my various components laid out in different plano boxes. I would just have to invest in a label maker to identify the different guides and tip-tops. I was th
Forum: rodboard

Thanks for the responses! LegalZoom sounds like a good starting point as I have absolutely no clue where to start for that. If I go down the road of starting up a business, I will definitely have an accountant on retainer. I had no idea there was a special tax for custom rods..thanks Tom. So on top of the taxation of the income I would receive from any rods sold, I also have to pay an extra
Forum: rodboard

I know there are many of you out there that build rods for a business. I am currently doing it as a hobby and was curious how much is needed to move it into a business. I am putting a good amount of $$ into components and such, curious to see f I can actually make some side money as a result. With all the technology available, it seems that getting a customer base is somewhat easier today.
Forum: rodboard

Sweet! Thanks.
Forum: rodboard

I thought of maybe a slick butt as well. This should reduce the cost of the rod as well. I thought about 'rail rod' because I would assume fatigue could be a real thing when wrestling a decent size fish. Decisions, decisions...
Forum: rodboard

Thanks guys. I wasn't sure about the length issue, but it makes sense to use a shorter rod to have a better angle on the fish. I thought that the roller guides would be the way to go. I could see that the line could get pinched in the guide if it slips while moving up and down the boat. I saw that Fuji has some decent casting guides. Looking at the Fuji HB Not sure about the blank yet...t
Forum: rodboard

I am thinking about building a tuna rod to be used on headboat canyon trips. I am looking at roller guides, prob Aftco, aluminum butt and the blank :) Question is, what size rod would work best for head boat canyon trips? Would a short one around 5' 6" do well or go longer with like an 8' blank? Not sure what the best would be for this type of trip.
Forum: rodboard

The only thing that you might want to do if the rod doesn't have a finish on it is to apply some permagloss prior to adding the components. If it is a brand new rod blank then chances are you don't want to do that either.
Forum: rodboard

As long as you take care of the rod by cleaning it after each use in salt, you can use whatever components you wish. Most of the rods you get in the store have cheaper components that will degrade quickly without regular maintenance and cleaning. I normally wash the rod and reel down with freshwater and dry them completely after a saltwater fishing adventure. I use a reel that is meant for fre
Forum: rodboard

I am not a fan of the 5 minute epoxy. It dries way too fast for rod building in my opinion. When fixing something that is broken, whole different story.
Forum: rodboard

Wow Herb..thanks for the updates. Yes definitely future project. Wife would kill me if I get the components this early to Xmas! I could use my smaller Quantum Energy PT 40 instead of the massive reel. I use this reel when I go on headboats as it MIGHT be 18 oz..I think that is pushing it. I have it setup with 30lb braid and use it on a rod with 25,20,20,12,8,8 as the guide setup for a 7' rod
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