How hard is it to build a fishing rod yourself?
Do i need any special tools or equipment that cost more than buying a new rod off the shelf?
I would really like to have a go to be honest.
Do i need any special tools or equipment that cost more than buying a new rod off the shelf?
I would really like to have a go to be honest.
In reply to Post #1
My father in law gave me an old glass fiber Edgar Sealey rod which I have just rebuilt for my lad. Only stripped the old guides off and replaced them with new, left the cork handle and reel seat as they were ok. Overall, whipping guides and revarnishing wasn't too bad. I built a jig using 2 rod rests and a roller for the spool of thread to help spin the blank for whipping, other than that, didn't need anything special.
Don't think I'll be starting a new career as a rod builder, but it will be ok for the lad, he's only 12.
My father in law gave me an old glass fiber Edgar Sealey rod which I have just rebuilt for my lad. Only stripped the old guides off and replaced them with new, left the cork handle and reel seat as they were ok. Overall, whipping guides and revarnishing wasn't too bad. I built a jig using 2 rod rests and a roller for the spool of thread to help spin the blank for whipping, other than that, didn't need anything special.
Don't think I'll be starting a new career as a rod builder, but it will be ok for the lad, he's only 12.
In reply to Post #2
Sounds good mate
Sounds good mate
In reply to Post #1
You will more than likely find that the components themselves cost more than a rod off the shelf.
How some can be sold at the prices they go for is quite an achievement...especially superceded and end of line products.
You will more than likely find that the components themselves cost more than a rod off the shelf.
How some can be sold at the prices they go for is quite an achievement...especially superceded and end of line products.
In reply to Post #1
It all depends on how good a finish you want and how long you want it to last .For a start If you don,t use correct epoxy (glue) and epoxy (resin) then it will look both crap and wont last.If you dont apply the resin at the correct temp and then have the rods turning for the correct length of time (6hrs min) it will look crap crack and let water ingress. You also need a totally clean work room with no dust dog hairs or drafts.To be honest unless you can get all you need at trade prices i would,nt bother . But then again i would say that i build rods and know what an abortion it will be if it goes wrong! . Honest opinion its easy to build a rod its not easy to build to a decent/pro standard without practice and outlay.
It all depends on how good a finish you want and how long you want it to last .For a start If you don,t use correct epoxy (glue) and epoxy (resin) then it will look both crap and wont last.If you dont apply the resin at the correct temp and then have the rods turning for the correct length of time (6hrs min) it will look crap crack and let water ingress. You also need a totally clean work room with no dust dog hairs or drafts.To be honest unless you can get all you need at trade prices i would,nt bother . But then again i would say that i build rods and know what an abortion it will be if it goes wrong! . Honest opinion its easy to build a rod its not easy to build to a decent/pro standard without practice and outlay.
In reply to Post #1
I wouldn't bother mate a mate tried years ago was a nightmare he said
I wouldn't bother mate a mate tried years ago was a nightmare he said
Thanks lads, thats my idea out the window 
In reply to Post #1
I've repaired a few over the years and found it to be pretty easy to get the same finish as an off the shelf rod. I will normally get my rods made for me by my trusted builder and the finish is better but that is to be expected by someone how has spent the last 30 years doing it.
I get most my stuff from Tackle Box but like others have said it can be expensive. No special tools as such but start by making a goof jig for wrapping, loads of videos on YT.
I've repaired a few over the years and found it to be pretty easy to get the same finish as an off the shelf rod. I will normally get my rods made for me by my trusted builder and the finish is better but that is to be expected by someone how has spent the last 30 years doing it.
I get most my stuff from Tackle Box but like others have said it can be expensive. No special tools as such but start by making a goof jig for wrapping, loads of videos on YT.
Built my first set of carp rods in 1986 on North Western blanks when I left school.
Tbh, very easy and satisfying.
Did a neat job but it would take a lot of practice to get a finish as good as most shop purchased rods.
Tbh, very easy and satisfying.
Did a neat job but it would take a lot of practice to get a finish as good as most shop purchased rods.
In reply to Post #1
I built my first carp rod age 14 (1974)and by todays standards it probably wasn't good but it lasted me the few years I needed it for. I have built beach and boat rods in the past and they look ok from a distance and are still in service 20/30 years later but struggle with my eyesight nowadays. If you really want to do it because it's a challenge go for it..if you want a pucker job with no heart ache get a pro on board.
I built my first carp rod age 14 (1974)and by todays standards it probably wasn't good but it lasted me the few years I needed it for. I have built beach and boat rods in the past and they look ok from a distance and are still in service 20/30 years later but struggle with my eyesight nowadays. If you really want to do it because it's a challenge go for it..if you want a pucker job with no heart ache get a pro on board.
In reply to Post #5
It was the flex coat I struggled with, but to be fair it was me not mixing enough trying to scrimp then it wouldn't cure properly, is there any alternatives more cost friendly for amateurs than flex coat out there
It was the flex coat I struggled with, but to be fair it was me not mixing enough trying to scrimp then it wouldn't cure properly, is there any alternatives more cost friendly for amateurs than flex coat out there
In reply to Post #11
To be honest i would not know as i buy mine in large quantities but flex coat are one of the better ones.
To be honest i would not know as i buy mine in large quantities but flex coat are one of the better ones.
In reply to Post #11
Gen 4 resin has been a game changer for me for getting the perfect finish to the whippings. IMHO far more user friendly than ProKote.
Just pay attention to your workshop temperature.
Gen 4 resin has been a game changer for me for getting the perfect finish to the whippings. IMHO far more user friendly than ProKote.
Just pay attention to your workshop temperature.