Wanting to try building rods...

[bgreer]

....but I have several questions.

I didn't want to hijack anyone's thread, so I'll pose my questions here.

When you buy a rod blank, does it come with the ferrules already on the rod? (graphite)

Are some snake guides sold that do not need to have the feet shaped?

What threads are easy to wrap with?

Where can you find a chart or guide for spacing the guides?

Where can you find a chart or guide for the sizes of the guides?

I really like the small, superfine style of rod grips. Where can I find something like that?

If I don't find a grip that I like, do they make pre-made grips that you can shape yourself?

What sort of rod wrappers do people prefer? I like the idea of being able to move the rod rests and being able to move the thread tension device.

I've seen different sizes of reel seats and I'm not sure about the differences. Are they for smaller/larger weights of rods?

There's 10 quick questions. I'm a complete rookie to rod building. I think it's something I'd like to do in my basement over the winter months. I've got a whole room downstairs that I'm not really using for anything. So I will be able to set up down there and not have to worry about breaking things down.

Thanks for any insight you guys can give me. I've been looking at rod building tools (and following the threads) and I've been looking at blanks. And there sure is a lot of different stuff to choose from.

Brian

[Jack Hise]

Yes the ferules are there, unless you are building spigot furles
Most Snake Guides need some shaping to help with the wraps properly going up the foot.
Thread may be a preferance but should not affect the wraping
Hook & Hackle has a chart
Hook & Hackle has a chart
You may have to search for the grip you want but if you have a lathe you can fit one to your liking.
My wraper lets me move the thread and tensioners.
You must have a very well lighted clean area to do the build in. An overhead fluorsent light will also help with guide alignment as it will show a high lighted stripe down the center of the blank.
P.S I have all this stuff in a closet along with 2 rod turners and it's just gathering dust!

[NewTyer 1]

Well, Maybe you can help each other out. You sell your stuff to him. You make greenback/He gets his equipment and I get my 3% finders fee. See we are all happy

[herefishy]

You can also shape a grip with a rasp and sandpaper - and start out with your own rings to save some money.
You should avoid silk thread at first, and poly thread needs careful treatment.

[billhouk]

Take a look at the kits. You can get rod kits and tool kits from either Mud Hole or Stockard.

[Betty Hiner]

You either will, or you won't. There's no little steps!! (bwahahahahaha!)

Let me go through my files and find the one (suppliers) who have the fine grips. I'll help you any way I can.

You going to wrap it in purple? Or is that just for the Squire's personal use?

[cheffy]

you're in good hands here. everyone will want you to be successful so we'll walk you through the build.
blanks are a matter of preference and how much you want to drop on the project.
if you want really killer easy set upguides look at the Snake brand universal guides. a little pricey but worth it IMHO.

[NewTyer 1]

That's what I am getting ready to put on my blank, I also want to find an Agate stripper that will go with the blank color.

[Kaboom1]

That's what I am getting ready to put on my blank, I also want to find an Agate stripper that will go with the blank color.

http://www.2computerchicks.com/Merch...trippingGuides

Your welcome!!

Brad

[bgreer]

Thanks for the replies. They've helped me out a bit and of course raised a few more questions.

From looking around, I think I like the look and function of the Flex Coat hand wrapper. Hook and Hackle has it on their site. I did see a kit on Mudhole that has a similar wrapper that has a finishing motor. Which leads me to a question.....does that RPM's of the motor matter much? I see them ranging from 6RPM to 36RPM. What are the pro's and con's?

I see that the thread comes in different sizes. A, B, C, D....I think that I see size A most places. What are the differences? And what about color preserver? Just get thread that doesn't need it? Betty, I don't think I'd be doing any purple wraps any time soon. Unless it's for a donation or something of that sort. Purple just isn't my color. I wear it once a year.

Do you need to do any wraps at the ferrules, or are they just cosmetic? And how about the tip top? Is there any need for a wrap there?

And how does one keep the winding check in place? Just make a wrap butting up next to it? Or does it get glued in place?

I saw some style of grips that are similar to what I like. I will try one of those first to see if I like it. Then I may step up to maybe shaping my own. I have access to a lathe at work.

Once the pieces are epoxied into place, is there a way to get things apart in case of a screw-up? I figured I better ask this question sooner, rather than later.

Thanks again for the replies. They are helpful. I like to gather as much info as possible before jumping into something.

Brian