Building your own rods...

[Nath_18]

Hey guys i hear a bit of talk about people making there own rods ect but i would like to know how you go about making them.
People get allot of self satisfaction and really enjoy making them but us guys that dont know much about the tech side of rods often wonder how a blank rod turns into a Beautiful rod

So if someone could shed some light or even show us some of there own rods they have made it would be great.

Who knows i might give it a try one day!

chears, Nathan

[swoffa]

I'm no expert as I've only made about 20 rods over the last 8 years. It's not hard to make a fishing rod, it's hard to do it well...

There are many books on rod building that go into great detail about binding, attaching grips/seat, spacing, etc... that's probably one of the best ways to learn as they'll have a lot more detail than can be posted on this thread. There are also some great websites if you do a google search.

IMO, the best publication for beginners on this topic is a magazine by Ian Miller from about 10 years ago, I think it was called "Rod Building". It had all the basics with plenty of pictures, as well as lists of blanks and some recipes. Try to find it in a tackle store or email Ian: ian@millerods.com

There are a few rod building clubs in Sydney that run introductory courses from time to time. Maybe you could ask around your local tackle store if they know of any such clubs down your way.

I'll look for my mag at home and find out the correct name for you.

hey nath just so you know buying a good blank and fugi guides and reel seat and all that sort of DohDohDohDoh works out to be a hell of a lot more expensive than just buying the rod allreaddy made up with the same gear on it!

[swoffa]

Originally posted by fish_man
hey nath just so you know buying a good blank and fugi guides and reel seat and all that sort of DohDohDohDoh works out to be a hell of a lot more expensive than just buying the rod allreaddy made up with the same gear on it!

I wouldn't go that far, but you certainly don't save much by rolling your own.

[dantheman]

fishman that isnt the case at all i would have to say your wrong..
many people can build a very good rod at a very cheap price with exelent components such as tic guides and so on. i will be making mine soon , ill post some pics and tell me what you think.

[rigzz]

Hi,
I'll second Swoffa's recommendation regarding Ian Miller's magazine. It might have been called "The Australian Rod Builder" actually, I can't remember. I am pretty sure Federal Publishing (in Sydney) put it out. There have been at least 2 editions and, like Swoffa said, the last was about ten years ago. You could ring Federal and ask if they have any kicking around or email Miller per Swoffas suggestion. There is a book by Dale Clemens on rodbuilding and another by him on custom rod thread art. Both these are considered the bibles of rod building. Check with large libraries in your area, they might have them. I've got both editions of Miller's magazine but can't find them at the moment. If I do find one (a possibility since I'm having a big clean out) I could possibly photocopy onefor you.
Cheers,
Rigzz

[swoffa]

"Custom Rod Thread Art" is an amazing book, but a bit to advanced for me.
I just left Ian a voicemail about a rod so I'll ask him about the magazine aswell when he calls me back.

[rigzz]

Swoffa,
I agree re "Custom Rod Thread Art". I love looking at it and occasionally daydream about doing some magnificent binds on my rods. I think it would take a lot better eyesight and manual dexterity than I currently possess though!
Cheers,
Rigzz

[Nath_18]

Man that was a fast reply........i walked out the door, went around the block in me car, came back 5 minutes later and iv already got heaps of replies.....now thats sweedy

Greg im not looking into making one anytime soon just thought it would be fun

what types of equiptment do you need anywhos?!

chears, Nathan

[swoffa]

You don't need much, just a set of rollered stands, some glue, masking tape and a razor blade. An electric rotisserie (sp?) is also needed if you want to do your own epoxy.
Most stores that sell the components will be able to do the epoxy for you as this is easy to stuff up and destroys the finish.

[Nath_18]

Man this dream of building a rod is not looking to fare away

What sort of wands have you made in your time Swoofa??

chears, Nathan

[swoffa]

"swoofa".. I like that...

I've only made a couple of swoff (fly) wands, some heavy stuff and a bunch of spin sticks, nothing really to show off. I had a go at a Samurai s001 earlier this year when I found it in my wardrobe, I made it up in 6 hours and used it the next day. It pissed me off so much that I swore I'd never make another...

[Nath_18]

AHAHAHA man i would take a good month or more to just get it perfect

Sorry about my bad spleeling....or is it spelling......NO it's spalling :P

chears, Nathan

[swoffa]

It really is an artform, there are very few who have "perfected" it.

Don't wurry abaot ya spollingz, itz all makin senze...

[MCDOTO]

I am building the new s001x7 at the moment from a kit (jeff frogley) byags and blag guids, cork grip, looking good what was wrong with your s001 rod.
Tom