Has anybody ever build a rod at all? i recently order a catalog from [url "http://www.mudhole.com"]www.mudhole.com[/url] i have decided that i'm gonna get a kit and give it a try. so my ultimate question is does anybody have any tips, info, or any thing else you could think of that might help i would love it.
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yes ive built a few ..i let the pros..do it now..make sure use the good eyes very important..every blank has a natural curve to itmake sure the curve is pointing downwhen your using the rod also very important for the action..also make sure to use the cork handle and that it fits tight on the blank..also get the grafite reel seat..these are important for the feel..thats all i know..good luck..
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i think that i'm gonna get this begginers kit that comes with everything. it comes with all the placement charts and everything so yeah i think that will be the best way to get my feet wet on this project.
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the first one is always special....what kind of blank did you get.[name]
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there is a thread all about rod building on the genarl forum, there is a guys utwalleye that could probly give some good hints.
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Mudhole is where I get all my supplies. One thing you should look for is a rod turner. You can build a cheap one or look around town for some one who has one for rent. Ski's use to rent them, Jimmy's may also. That will make things much easier. A rod dryer will help also, so look to see if they have those for rent or they may be part of the turner. Just follow the directions and you should be fine. Watch the videos on Mudhole. They will explain everything you need to know. Building a rod is quite fun and interesting. I built my first rod last Christmas for my sister in law. It is a TFO 5wt 4 pc 9'. This is how it turned out.
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Since then I have built 4 more rods and have 2 more in the works. I am working on a 8wt steelhead rod and a 3wt for panfish and brookies. EBAY is another place to get parts, especially some no name china IM6 fly rods. I have a few 4 and 7 piece rods that I built just for packing on my bike or to throw behind the seat of the car or truck. If they get broke, I am not out much, but they do work great. Good luck and have fun.
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Build it on structure, the natural curve of the blank. Put thread under your guides, more protection from digging into your blank. Experiment with thread colors, they do not look like same color after you put color preserver on. Use a motor too rotate your rod, so epoxy levels its self. If you are doing a special wrap such as a fish make sure your layout is right, if not each fish will be different sizes. I can do American Flags, Japanese Flags, Heart, Fish, Circle, Cheveron, Eagles and Thunder Bird wraps layout is critical.
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I agree it can be fun and very special. My hubby has built several, mostly glass and all FLY rods. I am building a bamboo right now off a Payne Taper but that is another story.
You WILL need a turner. You can take a box and cut a V in it to turn the rod while wrapping, but for smooth coat a motor is a must.
As far as wrapping under guides, I have seen allot of BIG game rods with that and as mentioned, to keep from cutting in, but if you are thinking a Trout, bass, crappie, etc. I don't think you need to, but that is just me. I know the light spinning outfit I had built years ago didn't. It was wrapped the same as a Fly Rod, just bigger guides.
That catalog does have some fancy ideas and that could be allot of fun.
As far as cork, I agree it is the way to go, but in the same breath, GOOD cork is getting harder and harder to find. Looks good at first then pieces start falling out.
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the main thing i was always told on the cork and reel seat is make sure it fits the blank tite..never add diamiter to the blank yo make it fit..you lose the feel..
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