it take for you to feel like you had the process down and were making a quality rod?

I have been reading with much interest about building but I have to believe one will make a few before it all comes together.

Your thoughts PLEASE.

I take a look back and my first 3 builds aren't too much too look at. Actually, I want to run them through the garbage disposal. But, they belong to my dad and brothers and they love them. Finish is probably one of the most difficult things to master. My advice is to keep the finish thin when applying. Having to do 2 or 3 thin coats may take longer but, in the end a nice smooth finish is better than foot ball looking guides and wavy lumpy thread wraps.

It was probably 6 or so builds before I started turning my own grips and figuring out what guide set ups and spacing worked the best for my builds.

My advice is to start with some cheaper blanks or maybe do some rewraps.

Mike

My first one looks nice. But the second and third look nicer... Get some guides and a old rod and practice putting on and finishing a guide and see if your ready to do a build.

Re-wrapping an old rod, now that's a great idea, thanks! I have several of those laying around.

it take for you to feel like you had the process down and were making a quality rod?

I have been reading with much interest about building but I have to believe one will make a few before it all comes together.

Your thoughts PLEASE.

I would say my first rod is a quality rod. Nothing fancy but it fishes well. I just build rods for myself to fish with.

What you eventually learn to do with finish and wraps and any other custom touches will make your rods look nice and sell well if that is what you are after. Practice will get you there.

If I wanted to practice on an old rod, is there a proper method of removing old finishes and eyes?

If I wanted to practice on an old rod, is there a proper method of removing old finishes and eyes?

The easiest way to remove the old eyes, epoxy and thread is to take a hair dryer and apply a little heat to the guide area. Make sure not to heat the rod blank up. Heat and graphite don't mix. Don't use a heat gun as too much heat can be applied.

Heat the epoxy up, take a razor blade and cut through the epoxy and thread on the top of the guide foot. this will ensure that you don't cut into the blank. With the epoxy being soft from the hair dryer the epoxy and thread should peel right off.

The easiest way to remove the old eyes, epoxy and thread is to take a hair dryer and apply a little heat to the guide area. Make sure not to heat the rod blank up. Heat and graphite don't mix. Don't use a heat gun as too much heat can be applied.

Heat the epoxy up, take a razor blade and cut through the epoxy and thread on the top of the guide foot. this will ensure that you don't cut into the blank. With the epoxy being soft from the hair dryer the epoxy and thread should peel right off.

Thanks for the info!! I will give that a go.