So, I have my eye on a rod building kit from Hook and Hackle, but have a few questions. The rod blank is blue and it comes with blue thread for wrapping the guides, hook keeper, etc. I don’t know that I really want to use blue on blue. Is there any ‘magic’ to the type of thread to use? I have TONS of fly tying thread in assorted colors. Can one use fly tying thread, or is there a ‘rod building’ specific type that should be used?
My next question is about thread tension devices. I saw mentioned that a book could be used to accomplish this. How exactly does that work? I think I have a good idea how it MIGHT work, but would like a little clarification.
I did search for what tools one might need to build his/her own rod, and the results were pretty slim. So any suggestions as to what tools the beginning builder should get would also be greatly appreciated.
Some people have gotten away with using other types of threads with no ill effects, but I personally try to stick with rod building thread myself. The main reason being there is no “magic” to them, but some tying, sewing, and other non rod building threads do contain things such as silicone which will cause some issues with the finish when its time to apply the finish. Not all threads contain silicone, but I never like to tempt it seeing as how rod building thread is 100% safe and comes in a wide variety of colors.
To use a book as a tension device you will simply put the thread spool into something like a small bowl to keep it from rolling all over the place, position it about 1ft or so behind whatever you are wrapping it on, then place a book onto of the thread between the spool and the rod. You can adjust pressure by adding more pages/books till it is the tension you like. Just make sure that everything the thread comes in contact with is clean.
Also, might be a good idea to review the rod building section here on FAOL. It will answer all your questions. The Hook and Hackle website also has an online brief booklet about how to build a rod. Happy winding
I just built a new 5wt rod kit from Hook and Hackle that had green thread included for a green blank. Like you, I wasn’t too keen on the monochromatic idea, so I ordered chestnut brown thread at the same time. It was worth the extra bit. I did use the green for the ferrule wraps and I didn’t use any color preserver on them. The result is that the ferrule wraps pretty much vanished when finished. If the blue thread is dark enough, it might work for you as well if you don’t want the ferrule wraps to be prominent. It’s a matter of personal taste and preference. At any rate, don’t compromise on the color…get what you want and it is worth it.
By the way, dealing with Hook and Hackle was a good experience and I’ll be using them again.
For convincing your wife, pick up some Hardy literature and leave it around for her to see, then once she sees the prices you wait a little bit and then reveal your revelation…I can build a rod for a fraction of the cost! If you time it right, she will be so happy.
NC I’ll see if I can answer a question you have not asked yet.
Thread Tension! It is just about impossible to wrap the guides and have them be in perfect alingnment so the wraps must be just loose enough to let you move the guides around with your thumb nails (There may be other ways to do it). There are also several ways to check guide alignment. A 4’ shop light will reflect a straight line down the blank to help align them. Sighting down the blank at a white wall works for a final check.
What Midwest said about threads is true, waxed tying thread would be ugly after a coat of epoxy!!
For your first rod a contrasting color thread may be best to help you learn to wrap. Gold would look good on the blue blank. Whatever, just add it to the order.
Also, the kit will not contain Cork Sealer. A must to keep the grip looking good.
Jack,
Thanks for the tips. I hadn’t asked that one yet because I hadn’t gotten past the, “What do I need to make this a reality” stage. Don’t worry though, that would definitely have been a question that I was going to ask, but now I don’t need to. So thanks in advance. Hook & Hackle has a wide array of threads to choose from, so that’ll most likely be my next question to the group, ‘Which to get?’.
Don’t worry though, that would definitely have been a question that I was going to ask, but now I don’t need to. So thanks in advance. Hook & Hackle has a wide array of threads to choose from, so that’ll most likely be my next question to the group, ‘Which to get?’.