Learning to repair and customize rods

[bigredbobber]

Due to me breaking a couple of rods over the years, I got into the habit to keep some of the broken rods in case I could salvage some part of it.

Finally, some pieces came together. From ruins come treasures, at least for me.
1265


The first post is a repair job. I took of a guide from an unusable rod and added it to my other unusable rod to make something that works.
I know it isn't pretty and I didn't paint the blank, but the knots and thread are rock solid tight and the fish won't care. I plan to epoxy it tomorrow. I'll post the results when done.

Next, I'll post step by step instructions on how to add a hook holder to a rod you already own.

I found a rod bulding class coming up and plan to attend. After that, I may never buy a factory made rod again.

[yak-aholic]

Why don't you post up the info on the rod building class. I doubt I could make it, but others on here may be interested.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

Why don't you post up the info on the rod building class. I doubt I could make it, but others on here may be interested.

+1

[bigredbobber]

here goes fellas.

http://www.mudhole.com/Learn-Rod-Building

http://www.mudhole.com/Learn-Rod-Building/Introduction-to-Rod-Building-Class-New-Orleans

please PM me if it gets down to 5-10 seats. I'm waiting until July to sign up and pay due to the high price of the class.

[yak-aholic]

That looks awesome. High price, but considering the rod components and instruction, I don't think it is at all unreasonable. I'm gonna think about it a bit. Maybe if a few get together and go there could be a Sunday afternoon fishing trip to try out the new rods.

[Tigerfish]

I think I might have to do that class. I've been wanting to learn how to make my own fishing rods.

[bigredbobber]

it'd be nice to have a couple of club members there. It is pricey, but you walk away with a nice rod and stuff to help you make more. In NOLA it's a 1 1/2 day event. The price is $50 more expensive b/c it's out of Florida, but I've been wanting to learn for a while. I have always enjoyed making my own gear, if possible. More gratifying that way.

Note: I don't work for the place or anything. I'm just interested. The above is more a way to convince myself to pay up and go.:lol:

[Branch_Office]

Wonder if we contacted them and sent xx number of people if we could get some kind of discount??

[bigredbobber]

I like how you think. I'll try calling tomorrow. I'll post their response.

[Branch_Office]

I like how you think. I'll try calling tomorrow. I'll post their response.

Ask if we got 4 or more and see what they say!

[Tigerfish]

Great idea. Thanks BRB for taking the lead on calling them.

[marshdaddy]

I will be attending.

[Kurt_Loup]

Twist my arm and I can show y'all how to build rods for nothing. Not a whole lot to it. The most important part to getting a professional look is doing a nice job on the wraps. Not many tools are needed. The only uncommon items are a rat tail file to ream the cork grips to fit and a slow rpm motor to get a good epoxy finish. I use a motor I bought from Cabela's for about $15. BBQ rotisserie motors work too. Last time I was in Cabela's there were a couple rod blanks, at least one complete rod building kit and a few reel seat/cork kits in the bargain barn.

[bigredbobber]

I've been kind of self-teaching myself. I'll post my 2nd project, which is a hook holder added to an Ugly Stick. I agree it's all in the wraps. I have the knots down. Still, I'm interested in practicing till the class and then really focusing on the customizing grips, finishes, etc to do the complicated stuff part of the classes. I like the idea of someone who does this for a living looking over my shoulder to speed up the learning curve. Works with archery, works with fishing, I figured it would work with rod building too. Watching a pro show you how to make something and give you immediate feedback to questions that pop up is priceless.

We'll see how it goes. look for my next post. It's a little more step by step. If I can do it.........sheeeeeeeuh

You might get your arm twisted off with an offer like that. Especially if you have the rod spinners/dryers. I used a cardboard box cut up to roll the rod. You're light years ahead of me.

[Kurt_Loup]

I have a turner for a single rod, but at one time I had a motor off of an ice cream maker to convert to a multiple rod turner. Lots of torque with that motor. Not sure if I still have it. I typically epoxy wraps before I go to bed and turn it all night. I turn off the motor in the morning. I've read you can get a smooth finish by hand turning the rod. I don't believe it.

[yak-aholic]

I would think that the fly turners that are used for drying epoxy flies could probably be made to work for rod building as well.

[Kurt_Loup]

I would think that the fly turners that are used for drying epoxy flies could probably be made to work for rod building as well.

Yes. That is essentially what I use. This appears to be the motor I purchased link (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0003513311429a&navCount=2&podId=0003513&parentId=cat410036&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20200-cat410036_TGP&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat410036&hasJS=true)

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_311429_imageset_01?$main-Small$

[bigredbobber]

A perfect "excuse" to go buy a turner. Dual use for making epoxy flies.

Thanks for the ideas.

[Choupique]

If you guys ever get a chance to talk with Bill Stevens of Swampland Rods, it will blow your mind. He makes some really nice stuff in his shop over in Kenilworth. He makes rods for KVD and other top name pros, a real nice guy who knows all the latest stuff in rod building, guides, casting distance contest, braided lines, tips the pro’s use, etc. If you guys are in the market for a new rod, custom rod, or parts to do it yourself Bill and Lance are your guys!