Hello everyone:

 

I am new to rod building.  I want to get some cheap blanks to build a few roda to practice and put my own spin on the wrapping design.  Where in your opinion has the cheapest blanks different sizes so I can get started ??  Thanks for your advice and responses and I am sorry if this has been asked a million times already.

Both Getbitoutdoors.com and Mudhole.com have lines of very affordable blanks.  Also, check the specials at both stores and others as well.  Anglers Workshop and Schneiders are well worth a try.  Ron Schneider is a very experienced builder and very helpful.

Honestly just taking off the guides off an old rod is a great way to learn to wrap... which is what probably most people first struggle with at the beginning along with a nice smooth finish coat. Plus you learn the skill of replacing broken guides. 

On 10/7/2019 at 5:25 PM, Batson said:

Honestly just taking off the guides off an old rod is a great way to learn to wrap... which is what probably most people first struggle with at the beginning along with a nice smooth finish coat. Plus you learn the skill of replacing broken guides. 

Walmart usually has a clearance bin where you can buy rods for $5 and up.  You can also practice on removing reel seats, and handles with a heat gun.  On second thought, you may not ever want to learn to fix broken rods.  I usually end up with a pile of them every fall from all my friends who fish.

Get on the North Fork Composite's email list. Twice in the last 2 months I have bought Loomis designed blanks for $35 & $55. Right now use code "MADEINUSA" for a huge discount - some blanks were 60% off using the code.

I'm of a completely different opinion. IMO a rod built that your not happy with just for practice, is money poured down a rat hole. This is not rocket science, a bit of extra time concerning yourself with each step and fit and finish goes a long way in getting a rod you want to use. If the finish isn't perfect it can be redone at a later time if needed, go out and enjoy your first build using quality components. My first rod was on a Loomis IMX blank, built on an ice breaker heading for Antarctica, I still use it today because it's always been what I needed, even 30+ years later.

Need to practice? Get a wood dowel or old garage find rod.