EvanT123 Posted February 16, 2014 Posted February 16, 2014 Started watching YouTube videos about 3 months ago and figured I can do this. Slowly accumulated tools and materials and read then read some more. I was able to source a few st.croix sc3 "second quality" blanks and the fun began. The handle This was turned on a lathe built by me and my co-worker Fred. The guide train and thread/epoxy work The blank is an sc3 7'0 mf and I plan on using it as an all purpose rod. The picture quality hides the many imperfections on this rod. As I've learned rod building combines artistic, technical and problem solving skills all of which I need vast improvement on. Over all the rod casts like a dream and I can wait till the snow is gone to catch a fish on this thing. I'd like to thank jrob78, the many people on rodbuilding.org and my co-worker Fred. Besides the skills I learned building this rod I learned many people are willing to share their time and experience help others archive goals and that's what I love about the fishing/outdoors community. Thanks for looking! Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted February 16, 2014 Super User Posted February 16, 2014 Nice job man! It looks great, especially for your 1st build. You will feel like an expert when you start your next one. It's always exciting when you catch that 1st fish on a rod you've built. Quote
EvanT123 Posted February 16, 2014 Author Posted February 16, 2014 Thanks guys. Jrob using a straw to blow on the epoxy seemed to do the trick. I didn't get one fish eye or bubble in the finish. Thanks again. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted February 16, 2014 Super User Posted February 16, 2014 Thanks guys. Jrob using a straw to blow on the epoxy seemed to do the trick. I didn't get one fish eye or bubble in the finish. Thanks again. Yep, it usually takes most of the bubbles out. That's where not applying too thick of a coat comes in to play also. Since I bought a Pac Bay epoxy mixer I've had much cleaner finishes. When you hand mix you introduce a lot of bubbles into the finish, some of which end up on the rod. Your wrap looks tight and I don't see finish smeared everywhere or a big football shaped glob of finish, so I'd say you did a great job for your first build. It gets easier Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 16, 2014 Posted February 16, 2014 I want to start buying rod building equipment too so I can make my own spinning rod. What wrapper did you use? I noticed Mudhole has some hand wrappers for $80 and under. I'm not after a fancy motorized one, just something low cost that works. Quote
EvanT123 Posted February 17, 2014 Author Posted February 17, 2014 I want to start buying rod building equipment too so I can make my own spinning rod. What wrapper did you use? I noticed Mudhole has some hand wrappers for $80 and under. I'm not after a fancy motorized one, just something low cost that works. I believe I have a PAC bay. I bought it off that auction site. You can also make one with a card board box and phone book. I'm not in a position to give much advice on this. I would check out the site I mentioned in my post. Do some searches there. You can literally find everything you need to know. Quote
peidy Posted February 18, 2014 Posted February 18, 2014 Looks good now ur hooked. I started 4 years ago n haven't looked back. Good luck When I started I went to mudhole n got there starter kit that had everything u need to build a rod. U really won't be able to build a rod without the right tools. Quote
Gaerith Posted February 18, 2014 Posted February 18, 2014 That's awesome, nice work! Those blanks seem pricey for something you have to make. What is it a retail equivalent to if you don't mind me asking? Quote
EvanT123 Posted February 18, 2014 Author Posted February 18, 2014 That's awesome, nice work! Those blanks seem pricey for something you have to make. What is it a retail equivalent to if you don't mind me asking? Thanks. The blanks retail for around 100 and the factory rods retail for 190-200. You are correct if you factor in the tools, time and materials that go on the rod your coming out behind. I was able to get 3 second quality blanks for 100. So that blank cost me 33 and change the cork and guides ran me about 35 bucks. I don't factor in the tools since I can use them again and again but I spent around another 100 on all the tools. The benefit for me is I can build these rods how I want. I have a 7'0 factory avid and I don't like the long rear grip on it. This one the rear grip length is perfect for my forearm length. You won't find a tennessee grip on a factory rod or the guides placed to optimize casting for a specific reel. I didn't really get into this to save money but more to build the rods how I wanted them and to keep me busy in the winter. 1 Quote
Super User Grizzn N Bassin Posted February 18, 2014 Super User Posted February 18, 2014 awesome!!!! Quote
Gaerith Posted February 18, 2014 Posted February 18, 2014 Cool, thanks for sharing! And thanks for the temptation, like I don't already sink enough cash into fishing! Hah! I'm tempted to try this. Quote
papajoe222 Posted February 18, 2014 Posted February 18, 2014 Nice. As long as it's functional, you'll likely be the only one to notice the slight imperfections. Learn from your mistakes and you'll be producing quality builds in no time. BTW, I don't know which finish you're using, but with most epoxys adding a little heat after application will remove any bubbles and will also insure thread saturation. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 Turning by hand is a pain, but I recommend doing it that way in the beginning to learn how epoxy acts. 2-3 thin coats gives a nice level finish. Everyone has to find the system that works for them and then be consistent. Quote
bflp3 Posted February 24, 2014 Posted February 24, 2014 Thanks. The blanks retail for around 100 and the factory rods retail for 190-200. You are correct if you factor in the tools, time and materials that go on the rod your coming out behind. I was able to get 3 second quality blanks for 100. So that blank cost me 33 and change the cork and guides ran me about 35 bucks. I don't factor in the tools since I can use them again and again but I spent around another 100 on all the tools. Where do you get second quality blanks and what are the flaws that classify them as second quality? Quote
Robertebeahr Posted February 25, 2014 Posted February 25, 2014 Thanks. The blanks retail for around 100 and the factory rods retail for 190-200. You are correct if you factor in the tools, time and materials that go on the rod your coming out behind. I was able to get 3 second quality blanks for 100. So that blank cost me 33 and change the cork and guides ran me about 35 bucks. I don't factor in the tools since I can use them again and again but I spent around another 100 on all the tools. The benefit for me is I can build these rods how I want. I have a 7'0 factory avid and I don't like the long rear grip on it. This one the rear grip length is perfect for my forearm length. You won't find a tennessee grip on a factory rod or the guides placed to optimize casting for a specific reel. I didn't really get into this to save money but more to build the rods how I wanted them and to keep me busy in the winter. You can go to mudhole and buy blanks for 16 or 17 each with free shipping if you buy 5 or more I just bought 5of them. Quote
Gaerith Posted February 25, 2014 Posted February 25, 2014 You can go to mudhole and buy blanks for 16 or 17 each with free shipping if you buy 5 or more I just bought 5of them. Isn't that just for the blank madness sale section? Quote
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