I have never built a rod and was wondering why folks would build versus buy off the shelf?
Have you ever smelled the epoxy?? :shock:
Just kidding! To answer your question with a question … What is the appeal of fishing for you? Doesn’t your local grocery store sell fish?
It is pleasurable … relaxing, rewarding, challenging, etc. There is NOTHING like catching a fish on a rod you built, unless you catch it on a rod you built with a fly or lure that you crafted.
TJ -
I can build any quality of blank that I want, using the components of my choice, and configured the way I see as best, whether that is lighter, full custom, or durable. When it is completely finished, I have a rod that costs less than a comparable quality rod that is better in whatever aspects that I deem most important, (if not all of the above). Besides, I REALLY like Dan Craft and Batson products, and you can’t buy them in a store.
I personally find a lot of satisfaction catching a fish using as much homemade equipment as possible. That means rod, leader, flies, and anything else I can do myself. That can be taken to any length you want. Preformed grips or turn your own? Std reel seats or custom wood or cork? And I can build a rod that looks great and shows craftsmanship that mass produced factory rods will never give you.
And, before I forget, have you smelled the epoxy? Almost as nice as Hoppe’s No. 9. :lol:
I do it because I would never buy a $350 rod that I can build for $100. I’m just flat out too cheap to spend that kind of money on myself. Besides, I, like some others here, like the smell of epoxy, Tru Oil and Hoppes No. 9 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I also like to see just what my limits are, and so far I figured that I have no limits to what I can do when I put my mind to it. When I go to my final reward, my friends (both of them) will have lots to talk about.
Here’s a 9-1/2" blugill caught on a Dan Craft 1wt rod with all titanium hardware that I built, and a fly i tied. Pure satisfaction in knowing I have accomplished something with my own hands and my God-given talent. I try to never disappoint God (just in case). The rod is worth over $300 and I built it for $100.
Joe
short of long ramblings …
WHAT THEY SAID … 
Not just the epoxy. Nothing like the smell of Boo when you open the tube.
all of the above plus I love the smell of a freshly varnished piece of boo to fish with. And the fumes don’t really affect you that much that much that much that much that much that much that much
Smells like I’m going to have to get me some 'boo! 8)
Here"s another reason that hasn’t been mentioned yet . If you fish in really cold weather , building a rod with really big guides helps minimize ice build-up ( so they say ). I havn"t tried it yet , but hope to in the near future .
I enjoy working with my hands. The cost savings is not usually that great, the pleasure is in the crafting of it and they joy of working with something you built.
jed
Rod building is great, I love to build rods when I am not fishing just gives me something to do in my off time. It also is cool to customize your own rods with nice wood inserts or nice grips and guides. I also think rod companys do a lousy job at rod building. they have wavy finish, non packed thread, and just plain old dull rods they produce are lame I can also make a winston or sage rod for 200 less then the retail of it and it is way better then their rods.
Rod building is not for everybody. Most people should probably not build their own rods. But if you enjoy working with your hands, and if you want your rods the way you want them, it’s the way to go. I’ve been building my own rods for probably 30 years. The main reason I continue to do so is because I know what I want in a rod and don’t want to be subjected to marketing fads. The money saving aspect is not really a valid reason as it’s just an illusion that you would actually be saving money.
Not sure I really agree from my experience. I wouldn’t discourage anyone off from building their own. I’ve had a lot of guys build their own rods who had no experience, and they did a excellent job first time out. I’d suggest sticking to preformed grips, and not turning your own seats to start with, but there isn’t anything beyond that a beginner can’t do. And do well if they take their time.
Anyone can build a better rod than the factory puts out with little or no tooling, and save a lot of money over a similar rod with lower quality components that comes out of the factory. It might cost you a little time, but you will save money if you do your homework and research.
Not trying to discourage anybody, just trying to tell it like it is. It’s true that you can build a better rod than you can buy, but you can also build a poorer rod than you can buy. If you buy from a reputable manufacturer, then you will probably get a good rod. If there is a production rod that has exactly what you want, then it is silly to build your own unless you derive some other satisfaction from it. I think every fisherman should build at least one rod, if only to have a better understanding of things from the experience. I still maintain that most people are better off buying what good manufacturers are offering, unless they want something that is not being offered.
I’m building two spinning rods for my grandkids, and doing them in their favorite colors. Kinda hard getting that off the shelf.
Joe
kool grips!
Can you just get the epoxy and sit in the shed sniffing it or is that cheating?
So for most of you, it’s the sniffing of epoxy. :lol:
May be someday I’ll give it a try, the building not the sniffing. 
Mmmmmm???
I have built one rod, and bought more than one 
The one I built was a 3 piece 7wt rod that I used quality hardware on. I am not really sure I saved any money. But I probably have better quality hardware, reel seat, handle, than what would come on a mid-level factory rod. I used a nice REC seat, grip and guides. So I suppose my rod may be more comparable to a higher end rod.
I know rods can be built for real reasonable prices. If I was a little shorter on money and longer on time, I would probably build more and buy less. I have chosen to spend my hobby time tying flies, fishing, learning to play my guitar!
The other thing that makes me buy is the warranty. If a purchased rod breaks, I drop it back at the shop, and get it sent it, a new rod, or whatever the particular remedy is for the brand rod I have. If I break a built rod, then I would have to re-build it after working with the blank maker and taking care of that aspect. Maybe I would be down that rod for longer than a factory rod.
For me, rod building is not on my list of things to do right now. Maybe some day, I’ll tackle another one. But I know guys that build them for themselves and do save money by using reasonable components, and the get some nice rods built! I also know a guy that custom builds rod for people, and he makes nice money per rod. I am not good enough at it yet to do that.
-wayne