Rod build # 1

[NorDoor]

Its got a ways to go.Few little things I'd like to tweak with the cork.I'd appreciate any and all critques.This is just a dry fit-up of the handle assembly.It will also have a rubberized butt cap so that'll add another 1/2 inch to the butt.I'll be cutting some of the threads back on the reel seat.Plan on spinning on some epoxy at the end of the cork.

Thanks,

Scott

[Jimzee]

I think your gonna have yourself a fine looking rod.  Make sure to post pics when finished.

[heathen]

Very nice so far, and I really like your cork work!!!

Since you dont have it glued up yet, just some friendly advice, I would turn that reel seat around and put the threads towards the back.

[ejtaylor822]

Very nice.

[elduderino]

looks real nice. The grips are sharp.  i'd add some winding checks to really finish them off. Most spinning rods have the threads on the back as mentioned... i actually prefer mine in the front however so my palm is resting on cork and not threads.

What kind of blank did you use?

[JayW]

Looking pretty good. I like the small foregrip. Post some more pics when you wrap the guides!

[JayW]

Since you dont have it glued up yet, just some friendly advice, I would turn that reel seat around.

Good advice. Typically, the reel seat on a spinning rod is reversed from how you have it. It will work either way though.

[NorDoor]

looks real nice. The grips are sharp. i'd add some winding checks to really finish them off. Most spinning rods have the threads on the back as mentioned... i actually prefer mine in the front however so my palm is resting on cork and not threads.

What kind of blank did you use?

The blank is a 7' Lamiglas XMG-LSJ842.Instead of winding checks I'm going to spin some colored epoxy on the ends of the cork ;D

[flechero]

Looks good... and for a first one, it looks great!  

Not much to critique, but one minor suggestion...  I'd round the cork edges off some (it doesn't need to be much, just take the edges downa little)... if you don't, than you have a high probability of chipping, chunking or tearing those edges up over time.

uplocking or downlocking seat...  depending on how you hold a spinning rod and how you fight a fish, either is "correct" but one will serve YOU better.

Be sure to post some finished rod and wrap pics!!  

[NorDoor]

I owe a boat load of thanks to all the rod makers out there that shared their vast knowledge via the internet. The amount of information is actually staggering if you spend the time searching for it.

I also appreciate everyones opinions also.

Scott

[NorDoor]

Started working on my wraps.This is gonna take forever ::)Actually now that I found a color combo and pattern I like for this color blank I'm very happy with it.More pics after I epoxy the threads.

[JayW]

Looking good!  8-)

[flechero]

You are getting this stuff down!  Good job!

Have you considered locking wraps?  Man, I almost hate to throw this at you now... (since you already wrapped)  But since you don't have finish on yet-  You might want to wrap all your single footed guides with a "Forhan locking wrap."  It will prevent a lot of potential mishaps.  (and repair work!)

Here is a good tutorial from RBO to get you started:

http://www.rodbuilding.org/library/forhan.html

It only takes a few extra seconds per guide, once you get the hang of it.  Let one of us know if you have any questions.

[heathen]

Lookin good man!!!

I 2nd Fletchero's advice and do the Forhan Locking wraps.

[NorDoor]

Here's a couple epoxy pics.I opted against the locking thread wrap.Never had eye come loose on a production rod.We'll see if mine hold up.I'm sure they will.

[flechero]

Looks good from here... smooth and level, just what you want!

[Jimzee]

Fine job on that rod.  Everything looks real neat especially the epoxy job.  I would be very happy with that job if I were you and good choice on the thread colors too.