First build... Mighta been a bad choice

[Slabasaurus]

Well I am about done with my first ever rod build, just need to put the thread finish on there, epoxy the handle and then wait.

Question though... how many of y'all have tried wrapping a noodle rod? The blank I used for this build was an Al Dente Noodle.

Any tips or suggestions for how to deal with keeping the tip even remotely steady while keeping tension on the thread when wrapping the guide closest to the tip top, and the tip top itself?

I got it done, but the wraps don't look nearly as clean as they do as you get closer to the handle.

[luckycrank]

I put my thread In a flytying bobbin and wrap as you would a fly. and also use fly head cement and allow it to dry prior to finishing with epoxy I feel the guide is locked into place better if your using a single foot guide as a tip top. .02 cents

[Eric_Kruger]

I put my thread In a flytying bobbin and wrap as you would a fly. and also use fly head cement and allow it to dry prior to finishing with epoxy I feel the guide is locked into place better if your using a single foot guide as a tip top. .02 cents

Ive never thought of this......i normally run the thread through my tensioner and then just free hand the rod instead of having it in the wrapper...

[Slabasaurus]

Thanks for the replies!

I have no idea why I didn't think of the bobbin idea. Next noodle I try I'll have to remember that.

I actually tried pulling it off the stand and wrapping it in my lap.... just could not get the tension set right.

[bemidjibasser]

That's a tough blank type to try for your first build!

[Slabasaurus]

Yep!

I was able to get the flexcoat on it last night, the cure looks pretty good. should have the handle on tonight and hoping, really hoping, to be able to use it a bit this weekend.

You can tell it's my first build. I learned a ton though, and am really looking forward to the next project.

I'll post some pics up this weekend when I have a chance.

[luckycrank]

just built one my self unfortanatly mine isn't setting up as good as Id like still tacky after ten hours curing , hope its ready for tomorrow

[Eric_Kruger]

Ive done four in the last 24 hours that are all in the dryer....Noodle tip blanks suck..Period lol

I think its the cold weather playing tricks on our finish ive noticed its taking a bit longer since it got cold to get a full hard cure

[upnorth]

There is no doubt that cooler temps will slow down the curing process. In the winter I add a heater to the room where I cure or it takes days to full cure.

[Moose]

Slab you could also give Dustin @ D&H a call and ask him. He seems to be pretty open about how he sets up his rods. I have 2 of his rods and love both of them.

[luckycrank]

just built two late week and over weekend broke number one not sure how I think it was stressed out from all the hard work!! two thumbs up !

[Slabasaurus]

That's not a bad call to get in touch with Dustin. I believe he just made a rod for a buddy of mine who is doing some biz with him.

Here's a shot of the final few guides.

Few things learned here. One, noodles are really tough (thanks for your replies helping me realize that i'm not as crazy as I thought). Second, when applying flex coat, make sure you're not making your award winning chili for a chili competition at the same time or you might run out of time to fix any of the mistakes ya made applying the initial coat. Oops. My chili took second, by the way, so that kinda makes me feel better.

Here's me with the first fish caught on the Noodle. I am thinking of putting a shimano sonora reel on there when I pick one up.

Tonight I am going to be wrapping up my Rastafarian walleye sweetheart, should be a lot easier!

I have 2 more noodles to build by next ice season, I'll give the bobbin idea a shot and try to post pics of the process.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

[Moose]

Great picture thank you but I think you should post that CHILI recipe on the cooking and sharing recipe forum at the bottom of this site

[Slabasaurus]

Haha, actually I am just putting that together today, I took pics of both the rod build and the step by step chili

Oh. I did wrap the guides on the Rastafarian walleye sweetheart last night. So much easier than the noodle! Here's a pic of the first guide as I had just finished applying the flex-coat.

[itchmesir]

Those rasta wraps are beautiful!

[Eric_Kruger]

Nice! What guides are you going with?

[Slabasaurus]

Thanks! Starting out on a noodle wasn't a bad choice at all. Every single aspect of the sweetheart was easier.

I can't tell you which guides I'm using... They're outdoor guides but beyond that, it's whatever Mike at Thorne Brothers recommended They're a lot less spendy than the titanium I used on the noodle!

I am really pleased with how vibrant the colors ended up on this one. I do still have to add the hook holders to each of these rods. Depending on whether we're going to get together for the winter carnival medallion hunt or not will dictate how much of that gets done tonight.

It's odd though. I'm already thinking about my next build... even if I haven't decided which one to start yet

[Eric_Kruger]

I hear ya about planning ahead, I cant wait to get customer rods out the door so I can work on a few of my own! lol

[Moose]

Not sure if I would put a holder on the noodle fiberglass rods will get a memory if they are bent for an extended period of time. I feel they just get in the way of jigging with the rod. Hate to see a limp noodle after all the work you put into it

[Slabasaurus]

Yeah, actually my case did a number on the noodle on my way up to the cabin last weekend, good thing I took it out right away when I got up there and was able to straighten it out (just a slight bend thank goodness). I ordered one of the ice fishing innovations cases yesterday... just need that piece of mind with my own work!

The hook holder will really just be for resting the noodle while trying another presentation with a different rod, not permanent storage, I usually reel all the line in and clip it on the reel when storing

I did not realize how much memory the fiberglass blanks had though, that's a good thing to note!

tourneychamp, the rod guides I used for the Rasta sweetheart were fuji outdoor series... not sure on anything more specific.