I didn't know where to post this question, but I was wondering if anyone was into building rods. I have been thinking lately that it would be something I would be interested in, but have no idea about how to get started. Any suggestions?
There are two books that I know of on building graphite rods. One is by L.A. Garcia, and the other is by Skip Morris. I think the one by Skip Morris is the better of the two, but they are both a big help in starting out. They explain about blanks, wrapping stands, guides, etc. It is a lot of fun to do, and you can make some great rods. Also, just google flyrod making supplies for seats, grips, and guides. Feather Craft is a mail order joint who sells blanks by TFO which are great by the way, and also Winston, so you could build a nice boron rod for a chunk less than what they want for a factory rod these days, plus I can't stand Winstons reel seats. I like Struble or Bellinger.
Check with your local fly shop, they may offer classes on rod building and fly tying too. Mine does, it's in Pleasant Hill and called Creative Sports....great shop.
The last one I built was ten years ago. Definitely go with at least a TFO, St Croix, Loomis etc. The lower end blanks are crap. I just had a cheap four weight built for me and it will never see water again. Just google fly rod building and the websites for kits are right there. I recommend taking an old rod piece if you have one lying around and practice your thread wraps over and over and over.....the epoxy application is tough and if you want it to look good you practice. The L.A. Garcia book is a good one and easy to find. I'll buy one off you when you get good, maybe a three weight?
Blanks that seem to work well that you can score on pretty cheap on ebay are the IM6 blanks. They seem to have enough snap in the tip section, and have some flex in the butt section to make a really good rod. The IM6 has been around quite a while. I generally swear by Winston BIIX boron rods, (They are worth what they cost) I do enjoy a 4 wt IM6 that I scored on ebay for sixteen bucks. Another important aspect of building a good rod has to do with the stuff that you build into the rod such as the guides, reelseat, grip, weight of epoxy finish etc. Patience is required, and practice is rewarded.
