Building my first rod...

[zlj75]

Hi Guys,
I'm starting my first rod project this fall and was wondering what else I need to do the job right...I ordered this package from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/<wbr>cabelas/en/templates/product/<wbr>standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/<wbr>cabelas/en/common/catalog/<wbr>item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=<wbr>MainCatcat20431-cat20364_TGP&<wbr>id=0030908318354a&navCount=5&<wbr>podId=0030908&parentId=<wbr>cat20364&masterpathid=&<wbr>navAction=push&catalogCode=IJ&<wbr>rid=&parentType=index&indexId=<wbr>cat20364&hasJS=true

it's a cheap way in to rod building, or so it seems (I thought the same thing about fly tying too), and was really just looking for some advice.
Thanks,
Zach

 

[Ditchrat]

That kit is pretty standard stuff. For the money you can't go wrong.

There is lots of advice to be given on rod building, so much so it would be difficult to offer any unless you addressed a specific question.

But I am going to take a guess at some questions.

Guidespacing? How do you do it. Well the right way is to static test a rod. But for most people a guide calculator works just fine.

Guide Calculator from Carlin Bamboo Fly Rods - Far North Rodsmiths - Fine Bamboo Fly Rods and Blanks
Its a quick and simple install. Figure on one guide per foot plus 1.
It will give you a guide spacing chart after you fill in some numbers and go with what it suggests. The measurement is to the center of the guide.

Epoxying by hand is a pain. Basically you have to turn the rod by 45 degrees every 5-10 mins until its set enough. 3-4 hours in most cases.

The kit has most of what you need, add a pair of new nail clippers and your in business.

You may want to consider a kit from hook and hackle.
They IM6rod are nice for the price.

Should you have any questions please feel free to shoot me a pm, I normally check this site a couple times a day when I am working in my rod shop.

 

[AKSkim]

I bought a kit for $100.00 to build my own rods.... its still in the box it came in five years later. I keep it as a reminder to impulse buying.

I got smart real quick.. I took lessons from someone who KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING.

The best decision I made when it came to making my own rods. There are so many tricks to building a rod it isn't funny. An experienced rod builder will keep you out of trouble and in the end you'll end up with a rod you can be proud of.

The best advice after making half dozen rods, you should consider taking lessons first. I never made a rod on my own; Bill Dettmar of DRO was there every step of the way guiding me.

When the shop closed in February Bill gave me a contact number, I tried to contact him a month ago but the number was no longer in service.

 

[klg neighbor]

Five Dollars Cash - take it or leave it.

I bought a kit for $100.00 to build my own rods.... its still in the box it came in five years later. I keep it as a reminder to impulse buying.

I got smart real quick.. I took lessons from someone who KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING.

The best decision I made when it came to making my own rods. There are so many tricks to building a rod it isn't funny. An experienced rod builder will keep you out of trouble and in the end you'll end up with a rod you can be proud of.

The best advice after making half dozen rods, you should consider taking lessons first. I never made a rod on my own; Bill Dettmar of DRO was there every step of the way guiding me.

When the shop closed in February Bill gave me a contact number, I tried to contact him a month ago but the number was no longer in service.