So just thought I would post some pics of my latest rod build project. A buddy of mine had a 9' 4wt fly rod that someone built for him. He did not like the single foot guides that were on it so he had me take them off put on snake guides. I did not do the cork work or the reel seat on this one because there was nothing wrong with them but I am particularly found of the work I did do on this rod.
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Good job. That looks really nice. You have a "reel" talent for that. [
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Looks great!
So what does your rod making equipment look like? Mind sharing?
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my equipment is nothing special. just a couple rod supports made with some 1x6 screwed together in an L shape with a v notch cut into them. Then I glued felt in the v notch to protect the rod. I just hand turn the rods. For drying I bought a low rpm motor and a chuck made from pvc and plastic screws. I use the rod supports as well while drying. Very simple set up but I'm hoping to upgrade and get a power wrapper setup.
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Can't really see from pictures but looks clean. Two questions however, why didn't he like single foot & why such bright wrappings?
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I don't know why he didn't like single foot guides. I didn't question him on it. And as far as the color. That's what he wanted as well. I was wearing a grass green colored sweatshirt when I picked it up from him and he asked if I had something close to that color. Prowrap guacamole thread was almost an exact match so I ran with it. I really liked the way it turned out.
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Nice and clean! I have built several rods this year where people wanted in your face wrap colors on a darker blank. At first I didn't care for the flash but now looking back they have been some real lookers. The only build I regret was a fly rod kinda a dark red blank supplied by the guy wanting the build done (cheap) with neon green wraps. When he picked it up he said he's never fly fished but the rod matched his Mustang perfectly. Two words.... Face palm. Ha. I guess the Raiders rod on the bench now isn't much better but hey this guy actually fishes.
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I like them to be nice and loud looking on occasion. I am not a traditionalist by any means. I know there are those "purest"" elite" flyfisherman that think that dry flys and boring, drab looking $600+ rods and reels are the only thing that belongs on the water. I am not one of them. Just a blue collar fly fisherman that builds whatever the customer wants. Dark red with neon green is pretty crazy but nothing wrong with an inexpensive build though.
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To each their own, for sure. No set rules. I am a traditionalist I guess. Not a purist, just prefer subtle colors. Red wraps on boo is another story. [laugh]
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