when i first used the split grip handle on my spinning outfits, i liked them, i did NOT, however, like them on casting outfits.  20, non split-grip rods later, that has changed.  now, i DO like them, in fact, the more i use them, the better i like them.

Sooooooooooooo, the dilema, take all the new rods i recently bought, throw them away, buy new ones & learn to like living by myself,,,,,,or, convert the rods to split-grip.

i didn't have time to do this myself (i thought),,til, a small problem turned into a Large problem, now, i've got Lot's of time (it wasn't a sprain, it was all the ligaments ripped loose.)

anyway, i'm NOT a rod-builder, don't claim to be a rod-builder, know/hope i'll get better as time goes on, but, yesterday, i worked on rod number one...only 20 or so to go.

check out the new "split grip frog rod"

justtrying,

Now that is what call rehab. 20 full length grips to splits you sure will be a conversion guy I will have to send some of my conversion customers to...LOL

But seriously by the time you get to number 20 you will be asking yourself why don't I just build my own because that is the only way I'm ever going to get the exact rod/s I want "Every Time"...

Have fun!  

Tight Lines!  

But seriously by the time you get to number 20 you will be asking yourself why don't I just build my own because that is the only way I'm ever going to get the exact rod/s I want "Every Time"...

Give him a week! He'll come around! ...lol

Justtrying, If you have the patients to convert rods... you will make a fine rod builder one of these days. Might I suggest a big rod sale in the flea market section of the forum... 20 rods could become LOTS of inventory of blanks, guides, cork, etc.!!!

I have 2 more rods to go before I will have replaced everything I use. Then I'm having a G. Loomis fire sale to restock my blanks and components... and start all over AGAIN, with really nice stuff!!

Yup, it's a horrible addiction!!   ;D

thanks guys,

i don't know what i'm doing, but, i've learned some, even on my first try.  e.g. i'm using the 5 min epoxy & i think i should use another type .....what epoxy do you use over the wraps?

another thing that bothers me ... the end cap ...should i just take that off & replace ....OR, And, this hurts to ask... should i just take everything off & "start from scratch?"    

LOL .....but, anyway, if i can convert these over, i'll at least learn some of the basics - i HOPE!

ps - if you guys would like to keep chiming in w/suggestions, it sure would be appreciated!

justtrying,

i'm using the 5 min epoxy & i think i should use another type .....what epoxy do you use over the wraps?

I don't use an epoxy on wraps, mostly use the FlexCoat Two Part Wrap Finish, flechero uses a new one that just hit the market called Threadmaster and really likes it. I haven't had a chance to try it yet but will soon I hope. When doing any glue-ups I use the standard Flexcoat rod builders two part epoxy.

another thing that bothers me ... the end cap ...should i just take that off & replace ....OR, And, this hurts to ask... should i just take everything off & "start from scratch?"

Stick to what parts and pieces that are on the rods and keep it up. When/if you are ready to really get into it, flechero, myself and few other builders will I'm sure chime in to help. All you really have to do is ask, as "there are no stupid questions"

Good work....

Justtrying,

That handle looks good.  What better way to spen some recovery time than working on fishing equipment.   Good luck on your recovery.  Hopefully you will be able to fish some before you need to go back to work! ;D

those are some nice reels (lol)

flechero uses a new one that just hit the market called Threadmaster and really likes it.

That may even be an understatement! ...lol It's easy to use, is super clear and spreads easily with a brush or spatula. I bought the small bottles (2 oz each, 4 oz total) have finished 8 complete rods with it and have only used 1/2 of it. $12 for 4 oz kit.

I'd stick with the caps you have for now because the cork under them is obviously been turned down and fit under them. If you change, you'll have to cut off the last ring or two, build up the last inch of the blank to level and re cork the last ring (or two) and then make whatever cap or ring or eva you use for the end. (probably more work than it is worth)

When you build one from scratch, all of that is done in order (easy) and you will have lots of options for caps and plugs.

The tips and tricks you learn now will pay dividends later!! Don't fight it, the baitmonkey is merely a runny nose compared to the addiction that rodbuilding becomes! ;D

The tips and tricks you learn now will pay dividends later!!  Don't fight it, the baitmonkey is merely a runny nose compared to the addiction that rodbuilding becomes!

That is the turth for sure. When I first started it wasn't to bad, but prices have changed a bunch..

Tight Wraps!

hey guys,

thanks for the replys.  i'd have responded sooner, but have been away today.  

i really have a ton of questions for you guys & i'll probably pm them to you, rather than taking up so much space here (tho, there may be someone else here who would benefit from my "novice" questions, and answers from you guys (who, unlike me, actually know what you're doing!  LOL)

first question,, flechero, where did/do you get threadmaster?

i've cut out a few boards w/v tops & made a simple rod holder ...i've got tom kirkland's book & have read it a time or so ...i'm having a terrible time getting "tight wraps"  ....i try to wrap the last three or four wraps over a  string, then pull the end under those wraps, but, it doesn't seem to work so well for me..i guess practice will help w/that.

what essentials do i Have to Have to begin with (you know the things that i need to buy/build, etc.,) that i'll always use?

see what i mean about questions?  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

thanks guys

what essentials do i Have to Have to begin with (you know the things that i need to buy/build, etc.,) that i'll always use?

That is an interesting question.  Have to have means different things to everyone. I am building my first rod.  I started out rebuilding a rod into a no forgrip spiral wrap.  It came out fairly good.  

I have some rod wrapping stands that I made out of scrap wood and some felt in the "V" from the kids art supplies.  I made a thread tension device with a long wood screw a couple of plastic washers and a compression spring.  I use a piece of 1/4" threaded rod to hold cork rings that are being glued up. (i put some wax on the threads to keep the glue from sticking to the rod) I shape the cork by clamping the rod in my drill press and using a sanding block to shape it.  I bought a couple of reamers and a piloted drill bit to enlarge the cork center hole to fit the rod.  I also purchased a 6 RPM rod turner (about $50) for applying finish and drying.  I work on an old bench in the basement.  I had to get a heat lamp to keep my handles warm while I was gluing them to the blank.  The epoxy doesn't like 60 degree room temp.

So all told I do not have a lot of money invested in start up equipment.  I am trying to build rods that will be excellent fishing tools.  I don't think I am going to be in the custom rod art work business.  Some of the rods these guys build should be used for display only they are so beautiful.  I can't imagine fishing with one.  But as with most hobbies I am sure I will somehow find the need for more equipment as time goes on. ;D  My wife always says it is not the initial purchase that blows the budget.  It is the accessories that come later. 8-)

This is a lot of fun and I can't wait to land the first fish on "my" rod! ;D

justtrying,

I get my cork and Threadmaster from Andy Dear at Lamar: http://www.lamarreelseats.com/ He's a super friendly and helpful. If you want to order everything from one place, I believe Bingham and 1 or 2 others now carry Andy's products.

As far as what you "need" for building rods... kind of a loaded question. You could get by with a couple v blocks, a phone book for tension, and a cork reamer. But that's no fun!

Tom Kirkland's book would have been my first suggestion but you have that.

You will "want" to (if you shape your own grips) to set up a makeshift lathe. My first was a drill clamped to a board with a dryer vent hose clamp and used an 18" drill bit as a mandrel wich was supported by a block of wood with hole in it. ...lol It worked great but I changed because I wanted to pre drill my cork to 1/2" for glueing and turning. Now I use another drill and a 1/2" grade 5 bolt that has had the head cut off and has been trued for size.

If you have a lathe, disregard all the above and get a lathe mandrel from Andy Dear. ....lol All you need for shaping is sandpaper, but I like to start with a Stanley shurform blade (looks like a cheese grater)

For wrapping, I started with a cardboard box with 2 V notches cut out and ran the thread under a book for tension. It worked fine but I didn't like the idea of the thread getting dirty from the book and box. You can buy a wrapper (manual) from many places, but the best ones will be home made. If you go to the rodbuilding.org site and look in the library there is a step by step on building a wrapper. Cheap and easy and it will serve you well. Thread tension can be checked with sinkers... 3.5 - 4 oz is a safe and workable setting.  You MUST have a good (new) razorblade for cutting thread as you wrap... it is the difference between perfect and crappy.  I use a new blade as soon as I notice 1 cut that the thread leaves a fuzz or trailer.

A rod turner/dryer is very handy, and I would suggest one. Lots of guys and lots of professional rodbuilders don't use one, they turn by hand. But since we only work on one at a time, it's no fun to sit there for 2 hours watching finish cure. ...lol I am a fan of low speed... I use 3rpm and 6rpm. The 3 was made from a BBQ rotiserie motor purchased at Lowe's for under $20 (on closeout) and came with the stands. I only added a small scrap of wood with felt on top to the stand. The 6rpm is a Flexcoat and was purchased retail.

Reamers are essential. The best are made from scrap blank with sandpaper spiral wrapped and glued... but new builders don't normally have scrap blanks. I bought my first ones from Cabela's, they were not real expensive so I bought all 3 sizes. (and have needed all 3 sizes)

For guide prep, I have tried lots of things and the easiest to use and best results came from my gunsmithing files which are just a set of Craftsman needle files and some 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper.

i'm having a terrible time getting "tight wraps" ....i try to wrap the last three or four wraps over a string, then pull the end under those wraps, but, it doesn't seem to work so well for me..i guess practice will help w/that.

Check your tension first. (3.5 - 4 oz) Then be sure to hold a finger on the thread as you cut it and put tag end through loop, and be sure to pull on tag end while you pull loop (yes, 3 hands would be perfect for this but you can keep tension on tag end and hold rod from spinning with one hand) lastly, 3 wraps will hold the end but on anything other than trim bands, I use more... usually 5. I practiced in the beginning using up to like 8-9 to get comfortable with it and then went less. It will come very quickly with a minimum of practice... if tension is good and you hold tension while pulling loop.  Also be sure to pack your thread as you wrap... I pack on about every 4th or 5th wrap (I use thumbnail as I go)  The tighter you pack the thread, the better it looks and the better it will hold the tag end that you pulled under.  

Sorry to get so "wordy" but as you can tell, I enjoy rodbuilding and like to help out anyone I can.  If I think of other stuff, I'll post again later but I lost track of time and have to get to work!  ...lol

flech, "wordy"  NO, my friend, not wordy, i need word, Word, WORD, WORDYYY!  LOL   ....actually, i wish there was some way that i could actually go to your or reelmech's place & just watch for a day.

i've found that if i can physically see/touch something being done, i can grasp it much better, but, Siiiggggghhhh,,,,  since "that ain't happening"  ..i'll just wrap, unwrap, rewrap, etc.,,,, til it's done.  ...hey, it's not like someone is making me do it!  Wheeeeeeeeeeee       ---i learned years ago that, "It's Only Work if you'd rather be doing something else!"   and, since i can't be fishing, this is the next best thing, working on fishing stuff, & i kinda enjoy it.

i'm gonna try to make a few things (thread tensioner, etc.,) but, know i've got to buy some of the basics.  ..but, they should be things that i'll use in the future to enhance this sickness/hobby that i have. LOL

i can't imagine myself actually building a rod,, i don't know if i'll ever get to that place, but, i do want to re-mod these handles & if i can do that, it'll both save me money & occupy my mind during this re-hab time.

and, again, THANKS  flech & reelmech (and ANYONE else) for suggestions, ideas, etc.   i appreciate it

ronnie

i can't imagine myself actually building a rod,, i don't know if i'll ever get to that place, but, i do want to re-mod these handles & if i can do that, it'll both save me money & occupy my mind during this re-hab time.

I started off the same way, had rotator cuff surgery and knew I'd be out for a 6-8 months... and would be able to fish spinning gear a month or two before I could use a baitcaster... so I used the rehab time to (learn then) build a nice (St. Croix) blank into a spinning rod, as a "reward" and incentive to rehab.

You would be surprised, it's not as hard as it sounds. I think it is easier than the repair and modifications you are already doing. The hardest thing for me was figuring out what to buy, as fars as guides and parts... once you have the stuff, assembly is not very difficult. (it's intimidating at first but not hard)

With Tom K's book and a few questions here, you CAN make a great rod... one that will serve you better than 99% of the "off the rack" rods at a tackle shop. My first one isn't the prettiest but it functions better than any rod I ever bought. And the fish don't care what it looks like!!!! (by the time they see it, they have already been caught!) ...lol

i'm gonna try to make a few things (thread tensioner, etc.,) but, know i've got to buy some of the basics

Cabela's and other places sell the thread tensioner for $5 and yuo can mount it to your wrapper. (if you buy a wrapper it will come with one, or at least most of them do.)

One other thing... if you spend a little time in the rodbuilding.org site, almost all of those guys are happy to help out beginners... and there are probably guys in (or close to) your area.

If you decide to give it a shot, let me know and I'll gladly talk with you on the phone about any questions you have... sometimes it's a lot easier to explain than type.

Also... since you had an interest in Threadmaster... Andy bought out the blank inventory from All Star, they no longer sell blanks... he's out of the heavier worm & jig bass blanks but has lots of others (talked to him on Friday and he still has about 2500 All Star blanks). They are cheap enough to try and not be heartbroken if you screw one up and if all goes well they fish perfect. I used 3 of them on a trip last weekend and used them over my Loomis rods...

food for thought!! ...lol