I want to build some rods!

[wally1981]

Am I nuts?? I am looking to build about 7 rods over the next three months for wedding gifts. I stopped in and saw the awesome guys at Midwest R & R and am probably going to take their class. I was wondering, I am pretty handy with wood and was looking at these rod wrapping kits online, and said well I got plenty of scrap wood around and I can build that easily. Would you guys recommend that? Also, I was trying to figure out a way to build a dryer, but that just don't seem possible, so I will probably just pick one of them up. As for the reemers, is there anything special besides just a rat tail file? Any other tips? TIA and I appreciate all comments.

Jason

[upnorth]

I posted what I use, some bought some home made a while back here is the link to the thread. Should give you some ideas.

Click me

[Kris Kristufek]

Take a rod class, as it will open your eyes to many options out there. The wheel has already been invented. Tools and techniques are easy to come by. Best recommendation is to purchase the best you can afford. Seems like the hammer analogy, would you buy a tack hammer to frame a house? Likely not.

We will be offering rod classes this fall/winter in the Brainerd area. Watch for details later.

[masker]

You can build a fairly inexpensive dryer by using a 4" pvc pipe. I used wood end caps for the ends. I lined it with tin foil and used Christmas tree lights for the heat source. On one end, I have a small motor (purchased from AX-man for $3.00)

Which turns the rod just about exactly the speed needed to dry the epoxy and I also apply the epoxy in the same dryer. It is hinged, and has wood circle supports, lined with cloth which support the rod. The temperature in the dryer gets to about 80%. I would guess that the total cost of the dryer is about $40.00, unless you have some Christmas tree lights lying around. Good luck.

[kenais]

A class is a good idea if you have one in your area. Its easy to build a rod but there is a lot of technique and knowledge needed to make something you'll be proud of.

There are instructions in the library tab at rodbuildingdotorg for making a jig.

My first rod dryer was made with a record player and duct tape. Worked great. Use your imagination, anything that rotates can be used as a dryer. There are lots of of hobby builders that turn the rods by hand while watching TV. Just turn it 180 degrees every 20 minutes or so for a few hours.

Find some garage sale rods about the same diameter as your blanks. Cut them to size, rough up the finish and use contact cement to attach strips of sand paper to make a reamer.

[harvey lee]

I would purchase the reamers as they will work better and do a nicer and faster job than a rat tail file.

[upnorth]

I bought a set of wonder reamers...all I can say is I wish I would have spent the $$$ before, they are great.