Hey guys so I am interested in starting to build my own rods. My dad used to do it a lot years ago, but we do not have any of his equipment any more. Anyways we were looking at the set up that Mudhole sells

 

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Tool-Kits/Rod-Building-Small-Business-Start-Up-Kit

 

What do yall think about this kit? I know it says complete, but just to be completely sure, is there anything else I would need as well? I know of course the thread and things like that, Im just talking about tools and what not.

 

 

 

 

Also one other question is how do you like the probond epoxy that comes with it? Dad said he used to always use flexcoat I believe it was called. Thanks again!

Probond is great. I also would get the small surgical tubing to hold the guides in so you can static test the guide placement and you may want some bubble remover

What are you going to do for a handle? I've used a round file for a reamer...

I'm sure DVT will have some more ideas of things I've forgot.

Probond is great. I also would get the small surgical tubing to hold the guides in so you can static test the guide placement and you may want some bubble remover

What are you going to do for a handle? I've used a round file for a reamer...

I'm sure DVT will have some more ideas of things I've forgot.

 

Thanks! I was planning on getting their 4pc reamer kit, I should have mentioned that. I will grab an alcohol torch bottle as well for the bubbles, thanks for mentioning that! I am likley going to start with a MHX blank since they are pretty cheap, and since mudhole has the guide placing chart on their website for the MHX blanks I probably wont worry with testing the placement on my first few builds. Thanks again!

I use a spray called Bubble blaster? And no heat

Don't buy the MHX because of the price, buy them because they are GREAT blanks!!!

If I build or have a rod built I buy a MHX blank.

I use a spray called Bubble blaster? And no heat

Don't buy the MHX because of the price, buy them because they are GREAT blanks!!!

If I build or have a rod built I buy a MHX blank.

Thanks I just saw that, I will get that instead. Haha sounds good to me! Im really excited to start this.

The tubing like was mentioned or dental/brace bands that you can get at on orthodontist. A small file to fill down guide feet, another pack of razors. Does that come with a marking pencil? Might get one of those. Things always come up on the first build or two. Take it as a learning experience. It can be very rewarding.

I did add a marking pencil to the order, thanks for the reminder!  I just made the order! 

There are a bunch of ways to temporarily attach guides while wrapping. I use either small bands cut from surgical tubing, small rubber hair tie rings or elastic thread from the sewing aisle depending on the situation. The start up kit is a good start if you know you'll stick with it for a while. I think everyone should turn a rod by hand once or twice just to learn how the epoxy behaves during the process. As for guide placement charts, I'd use them as a starting point, but static testing and perfect guide placement is probably the single biggest performance improvement you can make over a production rod.