After countless hours of research on the web, I’ve decided to come to my favorite place for advice. I’ve purchased countless name brand rods from sporting good stores and tackle shops, as well as many custom built rods from numerous different builders, but I’ve decided to finally try my hand at something I’ve been wanting to get into for quite a few years and start building my own rods. Like I said I’ve done a great deal of research and I know what I need to get started, but my main concern is... is a kit worth the money? I’ve looked at multiple companies and they all have so many accessories and little add-ons that I feel like I will never use. So if you guys were just starting out, what would you go with as far as the basic necessary tools? Brands and or manufacturers would be appreciated lol. Thanks in advance. 

Big Easy,

 

I started back in about 2008.  I built a hand wrapper out of some cheap pine 1"x4", 1"x6", and 1"x2" lumber and some miscellaneous hardware from Lowes.  It worked quite well.  In fact, I finally tossed it this week after I bought a new wrapping jig at the ICRBE in Feb.

 

One of the best things you can do to get started is buy a copy of Tom Kirkman's book Rodbuilding Guide.  It's a relatively short read, something you can handle in a few trips to the throne.  It teaches all of the basic skills you need in order to understand basic rod construction, design, and component selection.  Yes, there are some newer, smaller, and lighter components than shown in the pages of the book, but after reading you should have a very good idea of how you can use those new components to your advantage.

 

The wrapper I picked up at the ICRBE is Mud Hole's hand wrapper with the aluminum track.  The hand wrapper is very well designed and really is all you need.

 

A few things that have been beneficial to me over the years.

1.  A good set of reamers makes handle work so much easier and reliable.  I use the Batson Dream Reamers, and they are worth every penny!

2. A drying motor makes finish work less time consuming.  I built some rods turning by hand, and still do it when I mount spinning reels on my split TN handles since I wrap the reels on with thread and finish, but being able to walk away from the rod with it turning after a few minutes is very nice.

3. Using a mechanical mixer helped a ton with making sure my finish is properly mixed.  Put the bearing in, both components of finish, turn on the mixer, listen to a song and you are ready to finish.

 

If you go the kit route, you can save a little bit of money on the bundle, but make sure that you are getting what you need, and that it fits your budget.  As you go along in the craft, you can always add more things later on.

On 5/27/2018 at 1:22 PM, grub_man said:

Big Easy,

 

I started back in about 2008.  I built a hand wrapper out of some cheap pine 1"x4", 1"x6", and 1"x2" lumber and some miscellaneous hardware from Lowes.  It worked quite well.  In fact, I finally tossed it this week after I bought a new wrapping jig at the ICRBE in Feb.

 

One of the best things you can do to get started is buy a copy of Tom Kirkman's book Rodbuilding Guide.  It's a relatively short read, something you can handle in a few trips to the throne.  It teaches all of the basic skills you need in order to understand basic rod construction, design, and component selection.  Yes, there are some newer, smaller, and lighter components than shown in the pages of the book, but after reading you should have a very good idea of how you can use those new components to your advantage.

 

The wrapper I picked up at the ICRBE is Mud Hole's hand wrapper with the aluminum track.  The hand wrapper is very well designed and really is all you need.

 

A few things that have been beneficial to me over the years.

1.  A good set of reamers makes handle work so much easier and reliable.  I use the Batson Dream Reamers, and they are worth every penny!

2. A drying motor makes finish work less time consuming.  I built some rods turning by hand, and still do it when I mount spinning reels on my split TN handles since I wrap the reels on with thread and finish, but being able to walk away from the rod with it turning after a few minutes is very nice.

3. Using a mechanical mixer helped a ton with making sure my finish is properly mixed.  Put the bearing in, both components of finish, turn on the mixer, listen to a song and you are ready to finish.

 

If you go the kit route, you can save a little bit of money on the bundle, but make sure that you are getting what you need, and that it fits your budget.  As you go along in the craft, you can always add more things later on.

Thanks for the advice. You pretty much hit the nail on the head with what I was thinking.  My plan was to get a drying motor and make the stands and wrapper myself. Greatly appreciate your help ??

Anytime!  If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to drop me a line.

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Thank you for the response Grub! 

 

I'm looking to get 3 very specific rods this year and I've decided that I'd rather spend the time and money acquiring the tools and teaching myself to build them myslef. I figure for the $750 that I have budgeted, I can get all of the supplies and end up with just as good quality rods if not better. This just seems like it can be a very fun hobby. 

 

I've been watching a ton of videos and I will pick up that book you mentioned to help me understand all of the tools.