As a teenager, I bought a few 'kits' from Simpson's in the early 80s (KM glass fibre rods), these had the handles finished (cork) and the rings supplied (the Fuji ones with the green ring between the lining and the frame). I then bought a few Sportex glass blanks and did everything myself. I remember it as a thoroughly enjoyable experience that saved a load of money.
Is it still possible to do the same? Are decent blanks available to the DIY rod builder? Anyone got any links?
Thanks in advance.
Is it still possible to do the same? Are decent blanks available to the DIY rod builder? Anyone got any links?
Thanks in advance.
In reply to Post #1
https://www.guidesnblanks.com/ , there a fe other companies that will supply blanks if you Google search, sure sportex still sell blanks .
https://www.guidesnblanks.com/ , there a fe other companies that will supply blanks if you Google search, sure sportex still sell blanks .
In reply to Post #1
I can supply harrison blanks
I can supply harrison blanks
I'm just re-building (restoring would be more accurate) my first ever carbon rods from 1985 (Tri-Cast 12' 2lb MUR's), and must admit I can't wait to finish them, and use them again ; they've been sitting in corner, in a shocking state for 30+ years. Giving them a modern handle, but sticking with the original 25mm green Fuji BNHG ring set for authenticity.
Have to say The Tackle Box were fantastic for a couple of bits I needed for the handles, given that modern fittings weren't designed for thin walled, wide diameter old blanks - they even modified some bits for me. Don't think any other tackle shop in the UK would offer this service.
Other than them, it's Guides 'n' Blanks / Hopkins & Holloway for all rod building 'stuff'.
Shame more people don't build rods these days, it used to be the norm, along with making your own bait. Once you've learned the basics, it's easy, and you never have to worry about replacing a damaged ring , or if you fancy changing the handles.
In fact back in the early / mid 80's, all rods were sold with 3 options ; blanks, part built (with handles but no rings), and fully built.
Have to say The Tackle Box were fantastic for a couple of bits I needed for the handles, given that modern fittings weren't designed for thin walled, wide diameter old blanks - they even modified some bits for me. Don't think any other tackle shop in the UK would offer this service.
Other than them, it's Guides 'n' Blanks / Hopkins & Holloway for all rod building 'stuff'.
Shame more people don't build rods these days, it used to be the norm, along with making your own bait. Once you've learned the basics, it's easy, and you never have to worry about replacing a damaged ring , or if you fancy changing the handles.
In fact back in the early / mid 80's, all rods were sold with 3 options ; blanks, part built (with handles but no rings), and fully built.
This is something I am thinking about more and more. If you see what rod builders nowadays ask for a rod, while components aren't that expensive...
In reply to Post #5
It depends which rod components you use ! You would be surprised how little profit there is in building a rod.Blanks from harrisons,century are not cheap trust me.Factor in equipment rod turners dryers etc glues ,rod finish epoxies to name but a few .Then your time .
It depends which rod components you use ! You would be surprised how little profit there is in building a rod.Blanks from harrisons,century are not cheap trust me.Factor in equipment rod turners dryers etc glues ,rod finish epoxies to name but a few .Then your time .
In reply to Post #6
Yes makes sense. Time is the biggest factor of all, on which you save when doing things yourself.
Yes makes sense. Time is the biggest factor of all, on which you save when doing things yourself.
In reply to Post #5
This gets my goat.. Been on the end of this a few times myself..
What do you do for a job? Is your time and experience not being remunerated?
Look at the value of a custom built rod - not at the cost, if your looking at the cost, then you are not going to appreciate the value.
This gets my goat.. Been on the end of this a few times myself..
What do you do for a job? Is your time and experience not being remunerated?
Look at the value of a custom built rod - not at the cost, if your looking at the cost, then you are not going to appreciate the value.
In reply to Post #1
Tackle box.
Guides and Blanks. (Hopkins & Holloway)
Cotswold Rods.
Are a few that I have used, usually with good service.
If Jeff can sell you Harrison blanks then bite his arm off! I would if I lived in the UK still.
I am sure he can supply you with something to your taste.
Good luck on any future builds - it is very addictive..
Tackle box.
Guides and Blanks. (Hopkins & Holloway)
Cotswold Rods.
Are a few that I have used, usually with good service.
If Jeff can sell you Harrison blanks then bite his arm off! I would if I lived in the UK still.
I am sure he can supply you with something to your taste.
Good luck on any future builds - it is very addictive..