Here's a question from the Volume 4 - Issue #2 issue of RodMaker magazine:
"I have been wanting to get started in rod building and need to
know the best way to get good results on my first attempt. I do not
want to spend a fortune on blank and components only to mess things up
but I don't want to build a cheap rod that I will never enjoy using
either. ~ Barry . . . Austin, TX
First of all you need to arm yourself with some good background information.
If you cannot find a local rod building class to attend, purchase at least
two good rod building books. I highly recommend either of the Flex Coat
books which although quite simplistic are also extremely good at explaining
the basics. Next up, you might consider my own book, Rod Building
Guide, as a secondary and slightly more indepth work on basic
rod building. [You will find an excellent 12-part section on Building
Your Own Graphite Rod by Al Campbell here.]
If you can locate an area tackle shop or community college that offers rod
building classes, by all means look into it. I know of few better ways to
get started than to actually recieve instruction from a qualified rod builder
in a class setting.
You should choose a good specialty rod building supply dealer who can help
you in the selection of the parts you need. You needn't spend a fortune,
but don't be shy about spending what is necessary to get a rod that you
will enjoy using over the course of a few years. ~ Tom Kirkman
Publishers note:
If you have any tips or techniques, send them
along! Help out your fellow rodmakers!
~ Publisher, FAOL
|
