I was wondering what speed is good for a rod dryer?  I have been looking around on ebay

and there are a ton of differen't speeds, as low as 4 rpm and up to the 20's.

Also, where is the best place to buy one?

I am just starting and have little knowledge when it comes to rod building.

Everyone has a preference.  I like slow... I have a 3rpm and a 6rpm.  There was a good article in Rodmaker's last issue on finish quality.  Lots of people prefer hand turning instead of a dryer...  but they said a slow rpm motor simulates that better than a high speed.  (duh!) ...lol  I think the slower motors are more forgiving, the higher the rpm's the more exact your finish amount needs to be.  If it matters, I'm using Threadmaster, and it's foolproof.  Trust me!  ...lol  You can get it several places but I buy direct from Lamar.  www.lamarreelseats.com   (I bought a $12 size and have finished 5 rods with it and still have about half left.)  It's awesome stuff.

I'll be interested to see what Reelmech says... he has way more knowledge and expertise than I do.

Good morning all and "happy spring".......LOL   ;D

When I am applying my finish I use the motor on my rod lathe it is around 20-30 rpm. Once I have it applied, heated, and wicked to what thickness I like then I will transfer the rod to my drying box which has two 6-rpm flexcoat turning finish motors going. I'm still using FlexCoat Highbuild and have been getting good results at that speed for 15 years now.

jayhawkfishin,

Also, where is the best place to buy one?

I am just starting and have little knowledge when it comes to rod building.

This is the link to my Rod Building Resource Guide give it a look see. Also get a copy of Tom Kirkmans book to get you started in the right direction, click on the Frank Amato Publications, Inc. link in the top middle box on that page.

Tight Wraps and Tight Lines!  

This will sound crazy to some but a spit motor from an old barbacue grill works great.  

bassindude,

Not crazy at all.....

I know a couple of builders on the left coast that use bbq rotisserie motors to turn their rods while they cure. I started with an old singer sewing machine motor for my rod lathe when I was out-wrapping for Fenwick back when I could see..... 8-)

Tight Wraps!    

Hey RealMech, Have I already asked you if you know where I can get Fenwick blanks? They told me at Fenwick that they don't sell blanks anymore.

bassindude,

The last time I built on Fenwick blanks was back in the early 90's when a wannabe pro walked in with a case of assorted Fenwick blanks and said build me a few and keep the rest I have no idea where he got them. They use to sell their blanks back then through Cabelas. But you are right they no longer sell blanks only....

Tight Wraps and Tight Lines!      

My 3 rpm motor was a Lowe's close out BBQ rot. motor.  Motor, stand and clamps for $19.  Why not save some $$$ when you can.

flechero,

That's the key in rod building. Most of the tools available from suppliers today were built to fill a need in tools for the hobby/art. Yes your right on when trying to save as much money on tools as possible, I spent $50.00 each for my 6 rpm motors (they are 13 years old) from Flexcoat before I learned the shortcuts in tools.

Tight Wraps!    

I'm right there with you, I paid $59 for my 6rpm (flexcoat) as well.

But as I type this, I have an All Star Pitch/Jig 1 turning on the 3rpm "cheapo" dryer.  ...lol  But only because I am about to put the Threadmaster on the Pitch/Jig 2 and set it on the 6rpm "premium" dryer.  ...lol

What an addiction!!   ;D