Hi guys I'm starting this poll to see how many o

to build or not to build

  • Would you.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • A: Build your own rod if you had the correct supplies.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • B: Go to a shop that builds rods and tel them what you want.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    0

itsarap

Senior Member
Hi guys

I'm starting this poll to see how many of you are interested in building your own rods, be it saltwater or freshwater,fly fishing or what ever type fishing there is that needs a rod.

I have started with a small project namely building my own surf rod and have found it difficult to find supplies and accessories to complete some of the Nettie gritty things, but its getting there.

So here is the big question would you build your own rod or would you rather go to a shop that builds rods to your specific needs?

Please guys give some input would be good to see how many of you are interested in building your own rods.

Thanx
 

Exavier

Senior Member
Im very interesyed in starting. Had the same idea... start by building myself a rod. The problems ive got is getting decent blanks. Im in the middle of nowhere and its a mission getting anything. Mudhole is a great site with alot of info, but the blanks are expensive.
 

itsarap

Senior Member
please guys give some input on this topic it would be good to see some replies and suggestions thanx
 

camo shorts

Senior Member
Am considering doing my own rod soon. Having spoken to a couple of guys, many agree it's an expensive f@$@$%@ up the first time. Thinking to go with one of the reputable rodbuilders and be guided through the process. Blanks are available at quite a few of the tackle shops, just a matter of finding the time.
 

itsarap

Senior Member
Hi thanx for the reply.Do you have a wrapping machine and rod dryer? If you do where did you get yours and at what price?
 

calamari

Senior Member
try fishermans corner,booysons, jhb .i used to build rods,they (used to) have EVERYTHING you needed,,,about tenyears ago!give em a call,,,
 

tauruck

Sealiner
I built 3 in the 80's. No special machines but I used the best eyes, reel seat I could get. The only blanks available then were fibreglass. The rods are still in use today. It's not rocket science but I guess you might have a problem finding blanks today.
 
Without a doubt. I like the idea of using my own "designs" and building my own stuff is right up my ally. Problem is, I have built up or modified plenty rods which is really easy but the trick is to make a stick the way I want it. Fitting eyes and Sh!t is a piece of pi$$. Making the rod... well that's what I'm interested in.
 
Here's a question... Can we get decent blanks? Is there a market for them? I used to get the Purglass blanks, but things have changed in technology!
 

camo shorts

Senior Member
Suburban Tackle, Ottery have a selection of Purglass Executive blanks. Available in 1,2 & 3 piece, with most if not all the specs listed on the Purglass site.
 

itsarap

Senior Member
Blanks I can get no prob, my problem comes when I need proper guides and rod finish and rod glue, trust me the epoxy you buy at a hardware store or at a hobby shop is not the right thing, it dries to quick, by the time you get to the 4th guide you need to mix new glue and that's when it gets expensive. And when you need the tools well ja. "whats that can you eat it!" (that's what the one rep said to me. LOL)
 

tauruck

Sealiner
itsarap wrote:
Blanks I can get no prob, my problem comes when I need proper guides and rod finish and rod glue, trust me the epoxy you buy at a hardware store or at a hobby shop is not the right thing, it dries to quick, by the time you get to the 4th guide you need to mix new glue and that's when it gets expensive. And when you need the tools well ja. "whats that can you eat it!" (that's what the one rep said to me. LOL)
I'm sure one of the members here will help you get some "Rod Wrap" epoxy and if you are even a little technical you can build a rod drier (Machine to rotate) to get a nice finish on the bindings. Use the motor from a Microwave oven, there must be hundreds of broken ovens out there and as we all know the turntable is never the problem. That motor turns at a perfect speed. Hope this helps.
 

misguide

Senior Member
itsarap wrote:
Blanks I can get no prob, my problem comes when I need proper guides and rod finish and rod glue, trust me the epoxy you buy at a hardware store or at a hobby shop is not the right thing, it dries to quick, by the time you get to the 4th guide you need to mix new glue and that's when it gets expensive. And when you need the tools well ja. "whats that can you eat it!" (that's what the one rep said to me. LOL)


I have built about 70 or 80 rods in the past, no more enjoyment there for me - would rather have them done by guys like Gremlins.


The correct epoxy for the guides etc is calles Pratley Glo - made by Pratley.

The varnish for the rod - I can't remember if I used Glatex 8 or Durathane K (Clear) - going back a few years now and also bought in volume so only bought every 6 months or so.

To glue the butt / extension into the blank use Epidermix 372.

When building - don't forget to find the "spine" in the rod to decide where the guides must go.


Tauruck is right on the money with the microwave motor - you will also need to build some "rollers" to support the rod while epoxy (Prat Glo) is drying.
 

Polychaete

Senior Member
I've built rods for many years and have tried all sort of stuff and even built  my own wrapper.
Ive always enjoyed it. It is sometimes cheaper to buy a rod, and rebuild it.
You can do a very adequate job by hand.

Search the web, there is a lot of info available, but feel free to ask if I can help.
 

reynard

Senior Member
Can some body post a step by step for this rebuilding

I have 2 rods i want to fix and i need all info its lost some eyes and it hase sope skratches the one even old rope handle that i want to change to the new rubber / heat shrink.

Please all help appriciated materials needed eg. wire for eyes , paint for rod , clear coat for eye wire and rod and material needed for handel
 

Eric Cotton

Senior Member
Have built a few rods and getting the knack, the first rod is always a try then it get better, lot of shops are now starting to supply blanks,yes it dose cost more. but let me say their nothing better than holding a rod that is built buy yourself.
 
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