My local fly shop (Bob's in Loveland, CO) offers free lessons and use of their tools if you buy the blanks and hardware from them. Just spent 4 hours today getting going on my new Scott A2 3wt 7.5 foot 4 pc. This is my first rod building experience. It was awesome having an expert looking over my shoulder every step of the way.

Turned down my custom handle on the cork lathe, left a bit of a bulge on the fat part, so even when distracted I can feel if I'm gripping the rod right. I have small hands, the custom handle will be comfortable. Learned how to find the spine and mark it. Reamed and fit the handle to the butt blank. Routed out the uplocking reel seat. Chose chrome Struble hardware with a zebrawood barrel, and fit it all together and glued. Glued on the tip top.

Marked the guide locations, and next tuesday I'll be wrappin' wraps, baby!

Anyway, I would never have attempted this without the free lessons and support from the local folks. Now I'm scrounging my junkpile, looking for that old AC motor to make my own cork lathe.....

DANBOB