Any rod builders?

J. Ramone

Just wondering if anyone here has built rods as a hobby. If so what has been your experience?

I've built five fly rods in the past two years but am just about happy with the finish quality on the last two. There are significant cost savings but the time involved can easily be underestimated. One of the main advantages is the custom shaped grip which can be quickly shaped using an electric drill as a lathe. All my supplies have been purchased from US where its a big hobby.

Sfinn

J. Ramone wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone here has built rods as a hobby. If so what has been your experience?

I've built five fly rods in the past two years but am just about happy with the finish quality on the last two. There are significant cost savings but the time involved can easily be underestimated. One of the main advantages is the custom shaped grip which can be quickly shaped using an electric drill as a lathe. All my supplies have been purchased from US where its a big hobby.

Likewise i've built some of my own rods again supplies from the states!! Its a great hobby over the winter. :cool:

J. Ramone

Have you tried Batson Rainshadow blanks, they seem to be highly regarded in the states. Last rod I built is a Rainshadow switch 10'8" #7. I used a standard single handed grip and fighting butt rather than the 'switch' grip setup. It's better with an 8 line and makes a perfect small river salmon rod with an ideal action for single spey.

My next rod will be either a Rainshadow or Sage. Not sure that a Sage blank would be any sweeter to fish for the extra money.

Zzippy

How much are you talking for all the bits and pieces, presume the blank is the most expensive part? And how much work to put it all together?

Sfinn

On the cheaper blanks no, about even, its the satisfaction of building your own rods.

On the more expensive definitely but i would recommend making one or two of the cheaper first.

This is one of the sites i use http://www.flyrodcrafters.com. or http://www.guidesnblanks.com/

Zippy if you want i could suggest a few things.

S

Sfinn

ramone have you tried these people for reel seats http://www.reelseats.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_22 or http://www.strublemfg.com/

coolwings

I've made quite a few several years ago.

If you locate nice blanks there's no reason you won't make a rod you will be proud of, and get great enjoyment in using.

Certainly worth doing one to see if you enjoy the process.

stevenmu

It's something I'd like to try at some point alright. This year was starting fishing, I reckon next year I'll try some fly tying, so maybe the year after that will be rod making . If it's something I'm going to do though I'd almost want to make a huge project out of it, with the modern materials is it possible to make your own blank, or would you have to use bamboo for that?

J. Ramone

Sfinn wrote: »

ramone have you tried these people for reel seats http://www.reelseats.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_22 or http://www.strublemfg.com/

If you email Struble they will send a catalogue which is a handy reference. Struble are top notch. I've used their U15 black anodised seat on the switch rod which is solid and very light.

I've bought almost everything from Shoff tackle who have probably the best range and are as good as any on price. Shipping charges are very reasonable too. http://www.shofftackle.com

J. Ramone

stevenmu wrote: »

It's something I'd like to try at some point alright. This year was starting fishing, I reckon next year I'll try some fly tying, so maybe the year after that will be rod making . If it's something I'm going to do though I'd almost want to make a huge project out of it, with the modern materials is it possible to make your own blank, or would you have to use bamboo for that?

As far as I know blank manufacturing is a fairly complex process requiring specialised plant/equipment not suited to small scale production.

I know you can buy cane blanks but i'd say with a little research you could create your own from bamboo cane.