? for rod builders

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I've really gotten into the idea of rod building and am looking to try it.  I want to know if the starter kits from mudhole are worth the money.  I was thinking about buying a cheap rod kit for practice but what I'm wonder is, should I get this accessory kit with the drying motor?  http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Rod-Building-Supplies/Complete-Accessory-Kit-w-Drying-Motor

Also wondering what are some good books, I've looked at them but are there ones that you guys recommend over the others?

[S Hovanec]

Rod Building Guide by Tom Kirkman.....best I've seen for beginners.

[FishingBuds]

The kits are descent but Flechero and Eddie convinced me to hand pick and put together a practice rod< Im happy that I did.

I don't use a dryer, or even a motor for wraps but I would like to try a dryer out someday. But still All that isn't needed for you up front. You will find some vetern builders still do it all by hand with no motor help.

I recommend TOM Kirkman's rod builder book, you can pick it up at amazon for like $10 bucks.

Its a geat hobby, I love it have fun with it

[kbkindle]

the book by kirkmans is a good book also on mud hole they have a artical i think the call  101 building it give you some good advice. for me just start with a cheap  rod blank  and buy the other parts  as guides and handle type you like

[rubba bubba]

Watch the videos on Mudhole for the various parts of the rod and then PM the various builders to give you pointers to watch out for ahead of time for each part of the build process, that way you can avoid some of the learning curve mistakes.  Any of us would be happy to help.

[Scott A]

If you want to start with a cheap but good blank call Lance Dupree at swamplandtackle.com.  He has a few Castaway blanks for $12.  He is very good on shipping charges also.

[hitchhiker]

No need to spend that money on the starter kit.  All of it can be made with some scrap wood, misc. hardware, and hand tools.  A drying motor is nice to have, but not an absolute necessity.  If you were to buy anything the book would be the best to get you started.

As for components, you could hand pick cheaper components and end up with a nicer rod than what is in the kits.  JMO

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna start with a book, probably the kirkman book.  It sounds like I may just need to piece it together.  I thought the kits would make it easier but it makes more sense to choose the components that I want than to make due with what the kit would come with.

[Crookedneck]

Hey bud,

PM me your address.  I have a DVD I picked up when I first started (have to find it ).  I'll send it to you if you want. 

My advice, is to build yourself your own wrapping jig.  You can customize it how you want.

The kits aren't a bad way to go for the $$.  But they do limit you on the types of rod and the thread colors what not.

The guys down @ Swampland are stand up guys.

If you have any questions let me know.

Mike

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Kirkman book is good and inexpensive. I agree with the idea of picking out your components as opposed to kits. You can use a notched out box as a wrapper and run the thread thru a heavy book to keep tension on it. Try it out, and if you decide rod building is for you, start upgrading tools etc. PM if you need a hand.

[ejtaylor822]

Here is what I built to get started

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1204259464/0#0

Literally from scrap laying in the garage. I still use it today to wrap rods/blanks that won't fit on my Pac-Bay wrapper - Got it a couple of months ago. Have used the setup in the link for years now for every rod I have ever built with the exception of the last half dozen or so.

Be careful, this is addicting!!!!

Eddie