Winter Rod Building Projects

[VMS]

I figure if people want it, I'll build it, but it won't be anything fast...I'd say 2 weeks per rod if I did it. If anything it would give me a little "Play money" to upgrade equipment to some nicer things...like Captain's rod wrapper!!

Steve

[harvey lee]

I love those reamers. I did a few with some rat tail files in different sizes and I got the job done but those reamers are the ticket.

I would love the power wrapper and I suppose one day in the near future I will own one. The v blocks I use now do get the job done.

Seems I take alot of time wrapping the thread but it sure looks nice when its done.

I will be at Midwests shop tomorrow Andy incase you will be there.

[upnorth]

Now remember this is only my opinion. I believe if you are after top quality work on your rods, you will get better results hand wrapping. I believe you take more time to be sure the threads as wrapped evenly, no over wrapping and packed tighter.

[rodmaker]

I agree completly. Hand wrap your guides. They turn out better. If you get tired after a wrapping a few guides- stop. It is suppose to be fun and enjoyable

[harvey lee]

I have hand wrapped all of my guides but do believe that in time, one could do well on a wrapper.

[upnorth]

Tom, I would find someone who has one that you can try before you dump the $$$ into a power wrapper. I have heard of more than one person who bought one and found they couldn't stand using it. And they aren't really cheap.

[Dark Cloud]

I'll second the hand wrapping. I had a power wrapper and didnt like it. It takes time to get good but im sure I was as fast if not faster by hand and a nicer job. I also found any kind of butt wrap very difficult on a power wrapper. I do know some people that like tham and do great work on them also...

[rodmaker]

You are probably right, but doesn't that take some of the fun out of the hand built rod.

I'm not bashing anyone using one, but it's not for me.

[harvey lee]

I used one at Midwest Rod & reel once and it seems nice. It also seemed that it would take a person a bit to get use to it.

I always find myself taking alot of time with wrapping my guides so they look very well done.

[A.W.Wolfram]

  upnorth said:

I believe if you are after top quality work on your rods, you will get better results hand wrapping. I believe you take more time to be sure the threads as wrapped evenly, no over wrapping and packed tighter.

I could not agree more.

IMO there is two types of hand built fishing rods.

Hand built custom rods, and

Hand built production rods

I build both.

I need to decide if I want a 6’3 jigging rod with large guides for cold weather and a real seat I have not used before.

Or do I want “The” 6’3 ½ jigging rod.

I f I’m trying something new, blank, guide lay out, handle, real seat……ext ....It’s not worth my time to put in the extra effort. I just want to build it and try it.

You can still hand wrap with a wrapping machine.

With out the chuck hooked up it's a hand wrapper.

Everything else is the same.

With a motor it’s a lot better on your arms.

It just takes some getting use to.

[A.W.Wolfram]

Tom,

Did you make it to Midwest?

[harvey lee]

Yes, I picked up my new channel cat blank and a few accs.

Al and I ended up BSing for an hour plus. Rod building stuff ya know.

[mrfish1991]

o man i would love a custom rod, and learn how to make them myself.

how much do you guys charge for lets say a 6'6" walleye rod?

[upnorth]

You could call Thorne Bros or Midwest Rod and Reel and see if they have classes coming up. Or even pick upa book and start doing some reading. If you have someone build you one, you will have a nice rod, if you learn how yourself, you can build custom/specialty rods for yourself for years to come.

It is a fun and rewarding hobby.

[rodmaker]

With Thorne Bros. All you need to do is pick out a rod blank, and set up shop time with them. There are really no "set classes". They will work one on one with you to build your rod. A word of caution. You will not stop after one rod. Your'e hooked!!!!

[mrfish1991]

wow that is excelent...sounds like a great idea

is there any charge for having them work through building it with you?

[harvey lee]

  rodmaker said:

With Thorne Bros. All you need to do is pick out a rod blank, and set up shop time with them. There are really no "set classes". They will work one on one with you to build your rod. A word of caution. You will not stop after one rod. Your'e hooked!!!!

Midwest Rod & reel also offers private classes along with group lessons. Looking to make an eye rod, Bill and Al will take the time needed to help you out.

I was very happy with my first rod.

[TonkaBass]

very nice captain fireman!

[rodmaker]

They have a shop fee , you use their epoxy, lathe, rod building area. I'm not sure how much it is.

[A.W.Wolfram]

  mrfish1991 said:

wow that is excelent...sounds like a great idea

is there any charge for having them work through building it with you?

Give them a call. It's not to far for you to travel.

[MW AL]

VMS,

Try taking your tag end and before pulling it through, cut it short so it does not come out of the wraps when you pull your loop through. It will now just lay under the wraps with nothing prodruding and nothing to to trim. If this does not make sense, shoot me an email

al

midwest rod & reel

[MW AL]

Tom,

One advantage of the power wrapper, is you don't have to spend extra for a drying motor. You just switch pully's and you are good to go. Don't forget, you can also hand wrap using a power wrapper, just disconnect your drive belt. Now from someone who has to use a power wrapper I couldn't agree more with what everyone is saying, but if you are doing a lot of rods per day or in my case, if you are playing the carpel tunnel game, then power wrapping may be an option. But I still prefer hand wrapping whenever I can get away with it.

Al

Midwest Rod & Reel

[upnorth]

Rodmaker, you have mail!

[rodmaker]

Thanks,

I'll check it out Mon. am at work. I'll be in touch

[mrfish1991]

hey MW AL do you think you could help me make a custom 'eye rod?