ratstar Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 I just ordered a cheaper kit from Acidrod.com, I've wanted to build my own rods for quite some time now, I am totally new to the whole thing. Does anyone have any tips that will help me? Do I need one of the lathes/rotary tools that I see, I know if I get into building I most likely will, but do I need one for this first one? I'm just kind of testing the waters on building but I know that I will get addicted to it and want to build alot more and higher end rods too. Is there any tools that I for sure have to have to do the first one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishingBuds Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 theres guys that build rods next to nothen on tools. you got fancy tools and simple tools. I started off with some tool purchases and ended up making those same tools and love them better than store bought. this is the tools i started out with Tom Kirkmans rod build book, hand wrapper, reamer, pop cycle sticks, tooth picks, razor blades, brushes, metal file, sand paper, masking tape, grease pencil,. You should love it. It is a patient hobby, so if ya can relax with it then it might suite you, cause rushen thru a build shows. there is so much more info for ya, just be sure to hangout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattman Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 You really don't need much to put together a rod. As you build more you'll figure out what tools are critical and which ones aren't. A box with V-notches in it is really all you need for a stand. You can drop your thread into a shot glass and run it thru a book for tension. A rat tail file to ream your grip, a small scissors, and a thread packer/burnisher is all you really need to have to get a rod put together. Order Tom Kirkman's book...its worth it...you'll learn a ton. Tom Clemens book, Advanced Custom Rod Building is also a good book. Although the information is quite dated now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braided Line Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 You really don't need much to put together a rod. As you build more you'll figure out what tools are critical and which ones aren't. A box with V-notches in it is really all you need for a stand. You can drop your thread into a shot glass and run it thru a book for tension. A rat tail file to ream your grip, a small scissors, and a thread packer/burnisher is all you really need to have to get a rod put together. Order Tom Kirkman's book...its worth it...you'll learn a ton. Tom Clemens book, Advanced Custom Rod Building is also a good book. Although the information is quite dated now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braided Line Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Making your first rod will know doubt be an experience. But like anything else, you`ve got to learn the "how to`s" first. If you know somebody who makes his own rods you can sure learn a lot quicker that way. Be ready for a lot of trial and error and don`t be in a hurry. I still use phone books, tea cups, tape and other stuff for my "tools." when putting together a rod. Others may use more modern equipement but my method works well for me. It`s a lot of fun to put together all the stuff(blank,reel-seat, guides, etc) and when finished , have a rod you can be proud of. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratstar Posted February 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thanks for the advice guys, I appreciate it. I dont know anyone around that I could learn from, and I'm kind of annoying when it comes to learning something cause I am a do'er not a watcher, I'll listen to anyone but watching them do it gets me rattled! I have ADD, but making baits has calmed me down alot and I know this will too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishingBuds Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 Im trying to read ya here, so I still think ya still need the book http://www.amazon.com/Rod-Building-Guide-Spinning-Trolling/dp/1571882162/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266368344&sr=8-1 also go to mudhole.com and watch a few of the videos they have on rod making Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratstar Posted February 18, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Im trying to read ya here, so I still think ya still need the book http://www.amazon.com/Rod-Building-Guide-Spinning-Trolling/dp/1571882162/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266368344&sr=8-1 also go to mudhole.com and watch a few of the videos they have on rod making I actually did order it, supposed to be here shortly, I am going to be a good boy and wait till it comes before I start on the new rod too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaugrishak5150 Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Youtube has some cool vids on rod building, by the way. Also, rodguild.org has a bunch of info. I am in the guild, lots of helpful people in it, surf over to it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishingBuds Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Youtube has some cool vids on rod building, by the way. Also, rodguild.org has a bunch of info. I am in the guild, lots of helpful people in it, surf over to it... This is what I mean ratstar, so much info hangen around, I completely forgot about http://rodbuilding.org/list.php?2 its Tom's site, the Author of your book your getten great place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted February 20, 2010 Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 I'm one of those V-notch, tea cup, and phone book rod builders. 20 rods later, it still works OK for me - I'd probably just screw it up if I tried to do it on a $600 rod lathe! The one piece of power equipment I couldn't do without was a rod turning motor to rotate the rod while the epoxy cures on the guides. I built one for about $10. JMHO, if you want to learn patience, wrapping guides will teach you all about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GT hunter Posted February 20, 2010 Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 Ratstar, My two cents on beginning rod building is to start as simple as possible. Once you build up some confidence and know which areas of the rod building are the most personally challenging for you, then you can start to advance your craft. It is one of the most exciting and rewarding arts in existence, but that's probably just my own little opinion. Good luck and please post some of your rods! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratstar Posted February 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 I'm one of those V-notch, tea cup, and phone book rod builders. 20 rods later, it still works OK for me - I'd probably just screw it up if I tried to do it on a $600 rod lathe! The one piece of power equipment I couldn't do without was a rod turning motor to rotate the rod while the epoxy cures on the guides. I built one for about $10. JMHO, if you want to learn patience, wrapping guides will teach you all about it. How did you build one of these? Do you have a link so I can see it or anyhting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GT hunter Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 How did you build one of these? Do you have a link so I can see it or anyhting? ratstar, you can build a rotating drying motor by simply purchasing a rotissiere motor for grilling from your local hardware shop. Or, you might be able find a bargain online. Then, just grab some scrap pieces of wood and build a mount and stand for it. It takes about ten minutes to slap one together. After that, just fine either a piece of wood with felt or glue some pieces of cardboard together into a stand-like creation with a v-notch in it to help support your rod. You can fashion a "chuck" to the drying motor using a gimbal cap or you can use masking tape (four holding pieces of masking tape from the skewer to your rod, one piece going around your rod and the four holding pieces of tape and one more piece of tape securing the four holder pieces of masking tape to the skewer.) Just adjust the height of the support stand and the v-notch stand to make the rod somewhat level. Some people prefer the rod pointing tip slightly down, some dead parallel with the floor and some tip slightly up. Your choice. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
