Where to Start?

[bltbowhunter]

Hello all. I've taken a couple of rod building classes over the past few months and enjoyed making a couple of open water rods. I really have the itch to build more. Given the time of year, I would like to start building some ice rods. The problem is that I have no equipment or tools at all. For now, I was thinking that I will just get a basic hand wrapper, and a single place dryer, a small assortment of thread, handle reamers, epoxy etc. With Christmas being around the corner, and funds being a little tight, do any of you know where would be a good place to get a good price on some of the basic equipment that I would need? I've looked online to see if I could find any used tools/equipment, but I was unable to find anything. In your opinion, do you think that I should just skip buying a basic hand wrapper and opt for a more expensive power wrapper/dryer? How much do you think it would cost me to purchase the essentials? Do any of you have any of these tools that you would be willing to sell? If any of you have some insight on this topic, I would appreciate the feedback.

Thank You,

Jeremy

[upnorth]

For the most part I have made most of the tools I use. I bought a cheap dryer, several reamers(files work too, just more effort), and of course the assortments of threads etc.

For me I started out with little and added a few news items as I needed them.

[Jmeyers]

What's up Jeremy,

I think what you need to do first is decide how serious you are about rod building. Are you just going to build a few for yourself and friends and family over the years? or try to start selling them online and have a larger customer base?

If it's the first option I wouldnt worry about spending money on a power wrapper as they are pretty expensive. Bassically your essential tools will be your wrapping stand, thread, thread epoxy, wrapping tools (razor, Burnishing tool, ect...) and epoxy for the handle. I would also reccomend a dryer (nothing to expensive just something to rotate the rods).

Other than that it's just the custom parts for the rod (blank, guides, thread color...) After taking a few classes I knew I was going to turn rod building into a lifetime hobby of mine so I purchased the starter kit from Mud Hole. It had everyhting i needed to get my first few rods done and sense then I've just been accumilating equipment slowly. So don'tempty your wallet to quick becasue the more rods you build the better idea you will have of what you need.

Lastly keep your eye on all the rod building forums. As I'm sure most of the builders on here would agree there is plenty of information and people more than willing to help you out! Good luck!

PM me if you have any questions... I might have an extra dryer laying around I will look for you and let you know

[bltbowhunter]

Thanks Jmeyers. That's good advice. I did see that kit on mudhole, but I wasn't sure, if I wanted all of the "extras" that came with it. Are you happy with that starter kit on mudhole? I still may purchase that one, or else talk to Gary and purchase the equipment from him.

[Jmeyers]

Yea I was happy with it, I still use all the tools that come with it and it also comes with a guide book and DVD if you ever have any questions regarding your build which come in handy more than youd think...

I think going to talk to Gary would be your best bet though before you buy anything. He's been doing this for so long he will hook you up with exactly what you'll need. Plus it's always fun checking out his shop he has a lot of cool stuff in there maybe it will spark a few ideas.

BTW I do have an extra dryer laying around... I tried sending you a PM but your inbox is over the limit send me one when you get a chance

[bltbowhunter]

jmeyers, I just tried to send you a PM too, but it says that yours is full. Send me an e-mail @ [email protected]

[Hardyboy]

i also would be willing to help you out, i built my first rod wrapper myself and still use that to this day. at some point i will be getting a power wrapper but my home made one works well for the volume i put out. seriously i think i spent $20 in materials to make it. burnishing tools that i use came out of a $2 set of dental tools i found at Northern tool then i bought some of my other stuff...alcohol burner,rod dryer,epoxies and such from mudhole. it can easily be inexpensive to get started and i recommend this route (inexpensive) so you can learn for yourself if you want to spend the extra money. over time you will just "aquire" stuff if its something you become passionate about. If you need advice or just have questions feel free to message me anytime.