Rod Building

[Diarmuid O Laoghaire]

Thinking about building my own rod some time this year after casting Nigel & Tony's Sage rods at the weekend, unless some bargins come up in the next 6-12 months.

So, where do I start with my research and what type of things do I need to build it?

Dee

[Stephen Bradbury]

Hey Diarmuid, start by talking with Rohan Smith and/or Tony Ong, when it comes to building fly rods they are the best around in my opinion and vastly experienced. They will tell you what you really need and what you don't because there is a huge range of blanks, fittings and building equipment out there of varying quality and they can help you sort out the good bits from the rubbish and tell you where to source them as well. If you can't find what your are looking for through Rohan at 'Bluewater' then 'Mudhole' (American rod building website/store) would be a good place to start looking.

[Tony Ong]

Hi Diarmuid
I started building on a cardboard box with v notches cut in the side. Jammed the thread between the yellow pages for tension, and rolled the rod by hand. Sat there watching tv turning the rod by hand for 6 hours at a time waiting for the epoxy to cure.
If you're after top of the line blank, you can't really go past Sage. Speak to Rohan about getting it in for you. Give him plenty of time, as he may not have an order ready to go straight away. Bluewater looks after club members with a discount, and the prices that we get Sage blanks for are about the cheapest you'll find anywhere. Rohan can also help you source the other bits and pieces that you need. Hardware may be a little more expensive than buying over the net, but you can see and feel what you're actually buying rather than guessing from in front of a computer screen.
Like Steve mentioned, mudhole.com is a great resource. No Martin, it's not a gay porn website. If you wish to build a cheaper project initially, this is a good place to look, as they offer a huge range of blanks.
Utube has lots of videos on how to, as well as using google 'how to build a fly rod.'
Other bits and pieces that you will need some 2 part epoxy (5 minute and 24 hour). 2 part rod building epoxy (coating for the thread). The colour thread that you need (size A). Masking tape, mixing cups, fine paint brush and a new razor (for clipping thread).
As your first project, there's no need to buy drying wheels and spinners. I'm happy to lend you mine. Decide if this is something that you enjoy doing, and if it's something that you would like to do more of in the future.
It really isn't as hard as it sounds. There are some basic steps that you need to follow. Happy to help out if you decide to take this further.

[Adam]

I've just lashed out and bought an Epic ready to wrap kit as my first build. I couldn't wait to receive it (still haven't) and downloaded their free rod building manual from their website. I found it a very easy and informative manual. You may find it useful as a starting place to.

Good luck with the first rod.

Adam

[ash]

Its something I've been interested in for a while as well.

Adam those epic rods look awesome. I had a play with one of birchys up at boneheads and was really impressed with quality for a "build your own' kinda kit. Would love to hear how you enjoy the build and finished product mate...

Cheers

[Rohan]

Diarmuid, the blank itself will be the question mark, a good blank will still cost a few $, and fibreglass fly blanks, despite all the marketing blurb to me still reinforce why graphite replaced fibreglass. Temple Fork might still do blanks, i could make an enquiry, that would give a good quality graphic blank at a reasonable price, and there are a few other options. Tricks to be aware of when buying the components 1/ cork butt... to avoid having to stick cork rings together and shaping them down on a laithe, there are a few Matagi performed butt at bluewater that would work nicely and other suppliers do small preformed butts too. 2/ reel seat. you can pay a fortune for a top end one but the cheap ones are OK, even a graphite fuji spin reel seat is completely functional, but whatever you buy make sure you try your reel on it first..the expensive ones are usually safe but the cheap ones need matching to the reel 3/ cork fore grip... plenty on the market, you will find it difficult to get one of the quality that is seen on sage or other top end fly rods, the cheaper ones will have fill and tend to shrink a bit but they work fine, just select one that suits your preference for grip size 4/ Guides.. Get fuji's as strippers, anything Aconite or Sic , as for snakes it gets a bit harder for light rods as not much is imported into australia, but recoil titanium snakes are available, they cost a bit more but are worth it particularly for light rods, just don't use the recoil tips, they are crimped in and will either fall apart or cause line damage, go for a regular snake tip. 5/ keep the build as minimal as possible, less is more with fly rods, including resin, and if this part is too daunting it can be done at the shop as an item in itself. Good luck !

[Hirdy]

fibreglass fly blanks, despite all the marketing blurb to me still reinforce why graphite replaced fibreglass.

Oh, I don't know; I just ordered my 5th Epic fibreglass blank (a red 888). I think they're fun rods to fish with.

But to some extent, I agree. I would not want my glass rods to be the only option I have. In the right conditions and for certain uses, they are a lot of fun. Carbon Fibre rods are a bit more versatile though, so if you're building your main rod, make it CF.

And I'm still using very basic equipment, even though I'm about to build my 10th rod. No rod turner/dryer, using a book to tension the thread, etc.

Cheers,
Graeme

[peter birch]

I've built a 10wt bandit I bought as a kit.
Epic kits come complete,except for a rod turner which I use a fly dryer modified to do the job.
Will do the next rod with help from a rod builder.graphite me thinks.

[Adam]

So Dee how did you go, decided if you'll give it a go?

I love my carbon rods but glass has got a spot in the arsenal. I've enjoyed using them in their sweet spot 3-6ish up to about 8'. Will be interesting to see how the s-glass goes in a slightly heavier rod.

Let us know what you do.

Adam

[Diarmuid O Laoghaire]

Sorry lads, Ive been engrossed in moving and cleaning house and unpacking. Finally able to see the wood for the trees here now so I have been a bit quiet of late!

Thanks for all the advice men and for pointing me in the right direction. I reckon I will start between Christmas and April. Get a feel for a few different rods and their blanks before choosing the one I want to build.

Thanks for that Tony & Rohan, I might take you up on your offer.

How long roughly does it take for a build? How far are you into yours Adam and where can I get this download you were talking about?

Cheers,

Dee