Tools and materials required

**el Toro** · Nov-05-2003, 07:58 AM

we discussed this last night but I figured I'd put it down for easy reference. midnightrambler, feel free to add any thing.

Tools:
-Rod wrapper (its a good idea to start on a manual wrapper then move to a power wrapper after you get the hang of it)
-Drying motor (for drying the rod finish to a nice smooth surface, can also be done on a power wrapper set to slow speed)
-burnishing tool (for packing the thread wraps together)
-razor blades or exacto knife
-small paint brushes (the yellow ones made by Flex-Cote)
-mixing cups for mixing the epoxy
-mixing sticks
-alcohol torch, heat gun or propane torch (be careful)
-grease pencil
-file or some sort of grinding wheel (to prep the guide feet)
Materials:
-acetone and lots of it for cleanup of epoxy
-rags
-sand paper (to roughen the blank to make the epoxy adhere)
-sanding screen (optional, if you want to shape your hypalon)
-1/2" and/or 1/4" masking tape
-rod builders epoxy (for handle and reel seat installation)
-rod finish (Flex Cote brand is easy to use and easy to find) use high build for saltwater rods
-a stick of tip top cement
-thread in your choice of colors (Remember that A is smallest in diameter, then C is next largest, followed by D. For easiest wrapping, use a smaller diameter thread for your base wraps. NCP thread does not need a color preserver and is what I'd recommend. If you use regular nylon thread you will need to use a color preserver.)

Rod parts:
-blank of your choice
-butt cap
-gimbal (usually for heavier rods 40lb+)
-bottom hypalon (make sure the interior diameter of the hypalon is smaller than the section of blank on which it will be glued.)
-reel seat
-top hypalon (again, make sure the interior diameter of the hypalon is smaller than the section of blank on which it will be glued. This means that the interior diameter of the top hypalon will be smaller than the interior diameter of the bottom hypalon.)
-winding check (sometimes called a hozzel)
-guides (A good rule of thumb is to use the length of the blank + 1 to find how many guides you will need. On a seven foot rod you will want 8 guides plus the tip top.)
-tip top

**MR Limpet** · Nov-05-2003, 10:16 AM

very good Nate and dont forget the rat tail file and sand paper to rough up the blank and reel seat and gimbal when you glue everything together.

**el Toro** · Nov-05-2003, 10:38 AM

Got it. Thanks. I knew I would leave something out.

midnightrambler · Nov-05-2003, 01:06 PM

nate your on fuckin fire

Mot's Sr. · Nov-05-2003, 03:05 PM

Brian and Nate,

Thanks alot for you guys taking the time with us, also Mr. Limpet, and Jason for the use of the room. Looking forward to our next meeting

Gary

Mi Madre · Dec-03-2003, 06:59 PM

What and how are the winding checks used?

I'm very interesting and building a new rod, and have read up on it, but the book I have does not mention "winding checks".

Bill on the Mi Madre Mi Madre

midnightrambler · Dec-03-2003, 08:36 PM

winding check goes on top of the top piece of happalon. its the little o ring looking rubber bushing thing.

~BAKLASH~ · Dec-03-2003, 11:36 PM

Good to see this board has this info on rod building!! I have been building and repairing sticks for the past 3 years and have gotten the hang of it pretty well. I have my own arsenal of custom sticks and have built a few for friends. I just picked up a rod from my best friend tonight to re-do 3 eyelets tonight. If I can give any pointers, please don't hessitate to ask. I do not consider myself a professional yet , but the feedback I get has been ego boosting.
I like this board better every day.

~BAKLASH~

Mi Madre · Dec-04-2003, 02:10 PM

midnightrambler,

What is a happalon?

This is all new too me. I thought that I generally understood how to do this, but now I'm second guessing it.

Bill on the Mi Madre Mi Madre

midnightrambler · Dec-04-2003, 02:22 PM

welcome baklash how about posting some pictures of your work ?
mi madre hapalon is the foam for your handle

Mi Madre · Dec-04-2003, 02:33 PM

midnightrambler

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping that is what a hapalon was.

My confidence is building again.

Thinking that building a rod would be a great off season project.

Would you recommend building a trolling rod (say 5.5' or 6.0' 50 -80 lb) over a bait rod for a first timer, or would it not matter?

Bill on the Mi Madre Mi Madre

midnightrambler · Dec-04-2003, 02:40 PM

the short rod means less guides.depends on how bad you want a troller vs a bait stick. where talking about having some more classes in january if we get enought interest. maybe we can get mstonefish to teach it.