Building a rod, choosing guides etc

[Krisw]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get into rod building. I don't know why I havnt started building my own rods earlier! I've ordered a heap of stuff from mudhole and acid rod. I've also ordered two Mhx blanks (st1141-Mhx 9'6" 2-6lb and st1142-Mhx 9'6" 4-8lb) as I didn't know which one would best suit. I'm building a glo bugging rod so wanted it fairly long yet light enough to feel what's going on.

As far as guides go I have a spacing chart for the blank but what guides and sizes do I use. I'm looking to use the Fuji TKWSG or TYSG. Do you think the k guides would be if any benefit in my situation as I much prefer the TYSG's. Also how are guides measured? I see the smallest TKW I can get is 5.5j and smallest TY is 7j. If I wanted to go smaller than these what guides would I then use?

I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into making some rods but the hardest part I think would be picking the right blank! If anyone can give me some tips and shed some light on the above I'd really appreciate it.

[Krisw]

I've just had a look and the k guides I would consider are TKLSG's!

[crusty]

Measuring guides - whoever came up with the system they use needs a lesson in making things useful. The ring size is measured to the outside of the ceramic. (not the inside where it would make sense).

With light weight rods I'm a fan of keeping weight off the top of the rod so I would choose Rec guides. (but I don't like Rec tips so I get Fuji TiSic for that.)
The other option would be micro guides. I've heard good things but haven't used them.

I've used the American Tackle Titan guides on some of my rods. Titanium frame and a hard ceramic ring (not quite as hard as SIC - but harder than alconite) for a better price. These are on mudhole.

For hot shotting you could also look at the fly rod blanks. Have the length, but in a more travel friendly 4 piece format. 6 or 7wt

Crusty

[grave41]

DONT do it its too addictive.Blank choice is the easy part.thread choice,reel seat choice,how much bling, wraps,weaves ,grips.
But you do get a rod that suits you,that you can fish all day comfortably and chase the species you are after.
Batson make a 11ft 2 piece 4-8bl,13ft 3 piece 6-10 which is glorious but you pay for them.
MHX are value for money.
Then you start buying higher and higher quality and the addiction sets in.
Graham

[Krisw]

Thanks for the responses guys. When I get my stuff delivered and start to get stuck into it I'm sure I'll have some more questions. Hopefully one if the two blanks I got is what I'm after!

[royflatmate]

Where are you located if your close can help you out.

[Krisw]

I'm in Mooroolbark, Victoria

[Dan Walter]

Mate contact mark at http://www.rodcomponentsaustralia.com.au
He has all the stuff your talking about, blanks and rod building gear as well, he is a top bloke very helpful. Plus your also supporting a local business.

[Krisw]

I already have heaps of stuff heading over from mudhole and acid rod. Thanks for the heads up though as if and when I need more stuff (which I will!) I will get onto him for sure.

[royflatmate]

No worries we have a group of builders who meet up a few times a year.Mark as mentioned above is one of them.Check out his website as he put up a heap of instructional videos.Have a look at rodbuilding.org great site and blokes from all over the world only to happy to help out.Hope this helps.

cheers....Ray