first rod build

[skansand]

g day amigos, ive decided i need to build myself a pimped out rasta rod ..... the ideas clouded my brain all week, im feeling some serious stoke to do this...

since this will be my first build im gonna use a cheap blank ($25), a cabelas 8'6 graphite salmon blank (8-12ib test) to target surf perch an halibut..... ill step it up later and get one rated 12-20 for the calicos and roosters.. both rigged with conventional reels...

i dont have a power wrapper so i think il just do it by hand....is that too gnar? maybe not?

i wanna wrap it in hemp and cork and do a rasta resin swirl on a few guides.....and a hollow butt for the goodies... ..maybe a couple turkheads too (probably the hardest part of the build?)

so heres a couple questions ive got so far , im sure il have more as the build progresses....

1) if the blank catalog says the tip diameter is a # 5 should i buy a #5 tip or a 5 1/2 ?..... probably a stupid question but IDK so...

2) my favorite rod has a carbon fiber wrap to stiffen the back end up.....

Would a tiger wrap stiffen the rod up in kinda the same way?

thanks for any answers or comments amigos...

Hasta,....-mateo

[venturarodlure]

Here's my best guesses. I would say get both tips if they aren't too expensive. Sounds stupid but sometimes tip and blank manufacturers don't exactly match. The size 5 should fit perfect but... If the price of the tip is less than shipping for another one I would get both.
I don't know about the tiger wrap significantly stiffening the rod(at least any more than any other decorative wrap).

[The Bushman]

Whoa Dude.... set down the lighter..... step AWAY from the bong.... it wasn't the ideas clouding your brain.....

OK, to answer your questions.....
Yes, you can wrap it by hand.... just takes patience and time.... I'm sure you've got the latter.

For the grip, you'll need to build up a layer or two of cork tape, even more so if you have a small diameter blank to start with. Hemp rope is available at craft stores and could go over the cork tape. I would think it might be a bit "rough" unless you coat it with something.

For your "Rasta resin swirl" I'd suggest testor's paints to tint your rod finish.... (as opposed to acutal bong resin.... but hey, ya never know!)

For the Turksheads.... keep it simple.... go here: How to Tie a Turkshead Knot

If the blank says it has a 5 tip, it will probably fit just fine. If its too tight, you could VERY LIGHTLY sand the blank at the tip section. If its way too tight then you could go to a bigger tip as mentioned above. Your in the OC, so there should be lots of tackle stores that sell rodbuilding components.

A tiger wrap is decorative...it will not strengthen or stiffen the rod. If you want a stiffer blank, get a stiffer one to start with.

Good luck with it.... post some pics when its done!

[Capt. G]

I wonder if you saw my posts on rasta rods?

" wanna wrap it in hemp and cork and do a rasta resin swirl on a few guides.....and a hollow butt for the goodies... ..maybe a couple turkheads too (probably the hardest part of the build?)"

If so, pls. do not say that you got the hollow butt idea from me.
I do not want to spend any time in the Big House. Again.

[finadict]

Heres some ideas:
http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/ro...-rodz-mon.html (Rasta Rodz Mon!)

The hemp cord wrap and the stash butt would definitely bring it to a new level, lmao! See Corb about an inlay....

[skansand]

thanks venturaronlure, Bushman dude the bong got me into this mess, itl help get me out.....but reallly what would you coat the hemp with for an organic affect? thanks for the help bro..

Capt G, sick rod man, any pics of it finished?

and Finadict , dude insane rod, i like the "maple" leafs, i think il use a couple real ones on mine.... whos got the maple tree?

[iclypso]

Originally Posted by skansand

thanks venturaronlure, Bushman dude the bong got me into this mess, itl help get me out.....but reallly what would you coat the hemp with for an organic affect?

granola

[GUERO]

Originally Posted by finadict

The hemp cord wrap and the stash butt would definitely bring it to a new level, lmao! See Corb about an inlay....

what?????