Looking to start building? Here are some resources.

[ol' blue]

There seems to be a recent interest in building rods with the off season rapidly approaching, so I thought I'd throw together some general info/pointers for some of the people just starting off or considering taking the plunge. Feel free to add info as you see fit. I'm omitting spine/spline data/opinions because it seems to be controversial and a cause for great arguments (and I am one of the non-believers when it comes to modern rods).



First, start here:
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/graphite/

Then there are some good tips here:
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/rodbuilding/tips/archive.php
http://www.rodbuilding.org/library/library.html

When you get ready to purchase, check out our sponsors page. Good stuff from good companies.
http://flyanglersonline.com/about/companies.php

or

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/rodbuilding/supplier.php

Hook and Hackle (sponsor) carries a lot of good stuff, and has some good info. Here is their info page.
http://www.hookhack.com/rodbuilding.html

A quick shopping list for what you need would be:

a blank
reel seat with cap
grip or cork rings for turning
winding check
hook keeper
stripping guide(s)
running guides
tip top
thread
glue
finish


You'll find spacing charts for your guides online. You will find that they are all reasonably close. Choose one that seems to match the action of your rod. Then do a static test to be sure the spacing doesn't leave any flat spots. Or, many manufacturers provide recommended spacing. I usually go with manufacturers recommendations if they are available. Sometimes if you ask, the spacing is available but not commonly published.
Guide spacing charts:
http://www.angelfire.com/ks/bingham/guidespa.html
http://www.flyrodcrafters.com/servle...ppspacingchart
http://www.rodrack.net/rodbuilding/flyguide.htm
http://stevenojai.tripod.com/rod_guide.htm


Static guide placement:
http://www.rodbuilding.org/library/staticguide.html

Rod wrappers. You can make one easily with scrap wood, or use a cardboard box and your flytying bobbin to get started.
If you want to build your own, there are lots of plans for free online. But start here for the general idea. http://www.rodbuilding.org/library/buildjig.html