Midwest Rod & Reel Rod Building class

[harvey lee]

For those who may be interested in knowing how Midwests rod class goes and what they offer, I will try to explain a day by day or class by class instruction.

Day 1

We discussed how the class would go and what I would learn each session. I am taking the one on one class and not the larger class so some things might vary just a little.

Al & I spent the first bit of class going over selecting the right blank and components so I would end up with the rod I was looking to build. I had a pretty good idea of the blank action I perferred but after testing and handling these blanks, I was suprised with the action I personally picked.

After I picked out the blank action that I was looking for to build, then we continued on to the next steps.

Spining the blank was the next step. Our goal here was to get the blank built in the best position. We also placed tape on the blank to show what side our guides would be placed.

Now that we have picked out the blank and spined it, our next step is to go over the reel seat components and shims. Using the sandpaper drills, I drilled out the reel seat shims and epoxied it into the reel seat and that was left to dry until the next class.

This session was approx 3-3.5 hours in time.

Session 2

Today we discussed our plan for the session which is thread wrapping or wrapping the guides onto the blank. From filing the feet to burnishing the thread. We also discussed the different types of guides, tip tops and spacing.

Al demonstrated how this was done by hand wrapping and then I started. I was telling myself that this thread wrapping was going to be in my mind the most challenging process in building the rod and yes it could be but, guide after guide it turned out to be a real challenge to see just how nice my threads could be placed on the guide. I really got into this thread wrapping and it is kind of hard a first but I really did enjoy it and was pretty suprised how well my first set of guides were.

Todays class lasted approx 3.5 hours. I was never pressed for time as Al let me take the time I needed to do the job right. I would guess that this part of the class could really vary in time needed as one may need more time to get the hang of wrapping the thread on the guides. I did need to cut one wrapped guide off as my wrap job didnt look the sweetest as I overlapped in a spot.

Today after class I also talked with Al about some different blanks and components for building myself a new flathead catfish rod. Midwest has a very good supply of blanks on hand and the components also. Al stated that if they did not have the blank that they could have it ordered and in, in a few days.

I feel I really need to stress that AL & Bill gives one all the time one needs to do as good a job as one can do. I never felt rushed once.

Class three will be on Tuesday where I will epoxy the threads and finish a few other items and then my new rod should be done.

[upnorth]

Sounds like things went well. Rod building in itself is not rocket science but there are some things to learn. And from the sounds of things you learned in a couple of sessions what I learned over many hours of research and trial an error.

[Dark Cloud]

I'll second that! I learned from the horrible booklet that came with a "kit". Didnt even have the net for help.

Harv - you will be building many more, I can see it...

[harvey lee]

Yes, I already have two others planned after my course with Midwest. I cannot state how fun it is and what all one can learn from these classes. After two classes, its down to, how nice of a rod am I capable of building on my own.

Seems if a person just takes his time and puts his heart into it, one can truely build a quality rod.

[harvey lee]

Yes, I already have two others planned after my course with Midwest. I cannot state how fun it is and what all one can learn from these classes. After two classes, its down to, how nice of a rod am I capable of building on my own.

Seems if a person just takes his time and puts his heart into it, one can truely build a quality rod.

I personally do not believe I could have found a better shop to have taught me.

[upnorth]

If a person has patience and attention to detail they are halfway there already.

[Dark Cloud]

Hey Harvey, are they teaching you any type of butt wrap? Not one of those cheater pre done ones ya just spiral up and down once, lol...

Each rod will get better and better and its one of those things you can never master - theres always new ways to challenge yourself - ie: weaves and wraps, lathe turned handles, etc...

[harvey lee]

So far, we have been concentrating on the basics. We have talked about doing some the exact things you mentioned. I'm sure I will be building some different handles and wraps. Just to personalize a rod or two and see what I can come up with for a different design.

I can see a issue with this rod building and that is the fact one could end up building a show piece and forgeting that I'm building a rod to fish with.

[upnorth]

I just finished a butt wrap that has both Diamonds and star pattern. I tried to take pics as I went to do sort of tutorial and there was enough that turned out so poorly that they are unusable and wouldn't be worth trying to do a tutorial. Maybe next time

[priorbass]

Hi Harvey Lee, glad to hear you are injoying the rod building class. As for the next rods you build we will be there to give all the help you need to get them done.

Thanks for taking the class.

[harvey lee]

Yesterday was day three of my rod building class. Today we wrapped the hook keeper and then epoxied the eyes. This took a little time to get the epoxy on right but I was very happy with the job I did with Als direction.

Overall, my class was great and I learned alot and cannot wait to continue on to my next new rod.

I'm not sure how to explain just how haapy I am with the job I did on my first built rod by I do need to state that Al at Midwest Rod nad Reel was a wonderful instructor and took all the time I needed to finish my rod and have a nice rod in the end.

Thanks Al & Bill

http://www.midwestrodandreel.com

[priorbass]

Hey harvey lee...may I say for a frist rod you did very well...it looked great and was glad to hear Al did a good jod with you...enjoy fishing with it.

[ezwalt]

Last week I finished the rod building class put on by Midwest Rod and Real. Just as Tom has described, the class and the attention one receives form both Al & Bill would be hard to beat. I was unable to attend our 2nd session so Bill (priorbass) had me call him and meet him at their shop on a Saturday afternoon. Bill gave me a personal lesson in order to get caught up with the rest of the class. For a first time rod builder, Midwest certainly was a great find for me. Thanks Bill & Al

Scott

[priorbass]

Hi Scott...glad you enjoyed the class and hope you build some more rods...any ? on building more you know where to find us for help