Any One Else Build Their Own Flyrods?

[rgfixit]

I enjoy building and using my own rods...Flyrods are no exception. Any one else?

RG

[Cider]

Can't say as I have had the pleasure.  Not that I don't want to, I just can't find the time between fishing, hunting, tying flies, my job, etc.

Someday I plan on giving it a go.  Maybe you could share some advice for us novices that are considering it?  Such how to get set-up, potential pit-falls to look out for, etc.

[rgfixit]

Cider, It's a great pleasure to use your own hand built rods. It's relatively easy to pick up.

Start small. Buy a kit from Cabelas or Janns Netcraft. Build yourself an ultralight  5'6" or similar. Use preformed handles etc. It really doesn't take much time.

Major items needed are;

Thread tensioner; controls the thread as you wrap

Drying Motor; rotates the rod when applying finish to wrappings, assures even coat

Alcohol Lamp; removes fuzzy leftover thread after wrapping

Exacto knife or razor blade; finish cutting of thread

Hot melt adhesive stick; positions guides ect

Fine file or Dremel tool;tapers the leading edge of guide feet

Rubber jaw hackle pliars; holds wrappings at last wrap when you stop for any reason

I built my tensioner and a drying box. I'll post drying box pics later.




Pitfalls?
Don't try to get fancy on the first rod. It's kind of like the first fly you tied....ends up looking like a road kill chcken with a hook and cow's tail attached.

If you decide to give it a try I can help you along with the tips and tricks I've picked up. Too much to put in one post, maybe I'll post them one at a time.
RG

[rgfixit]

Here's 2 that I built,
My 4/5 wt and my special 5/6wt (smallmouth stream rod)

Handles are laid up and formed  by me. Note the oversized handle and "thumb print' on top. I have a large hand and this makes it easier to control.

You can do these things when you build your own
RG

[Cider]

It's kind of like the first fly you tied....ends up looking like a road kill chcken with a hook and cow's tail attached.

Well, since you put it that way...  I don't see how I have any other choice than to build a crooked rod with misaligned ferrels to match my first fly!  Boy oh boy, that should draw some funny looks on the water!!

Seriously,  thanks for all this great information.  Keep it coming.

You have me seriously considering another adventure in flyfishing.  (I think my wife just swooned out in the hall!)

[seaweed01]

Nice looking rods Bob! Do they catch fish? Just had
to ask.

[rgfixit]

Seaweed1,
The rods don't catch much....I do most of that.

Cider, Tell her how much you'll save by building them yourself....Yeah....That's it....you'll save money

RG

[Cider]

Right!  The equipment will pay for itself because I won't have to continue purchasing $300-500 flyrods anymore!  I just need to tell her it is like going to JC Penney during a sale.  Look at all the money we saved!  She'll buy that! 

[rgfixit]

Failing that, Explain the basic reproductive processes of flyrods.

When left alone in a dark closet for any length of time, passion will get the better of them and the result is  sure to be flyrod offspring.

It's only natural
RG

[Cider]

You know, that happens in my gun cabinet all the time...

[rgfixit]

Brownings are particularly promiscuous....say that 3 times fast
RG

[Cider]

Well that's because they are related to Bakers, Ithacas, and Winchesters!!

[Cider]

RG - where do you get your blanks?  Or do you make those as well???

[rgfixit]

My local tackle shop used to get them for me...he's gone now.

www.customtackle.com
www.jannsnetcraft.com

Lamiglas is working on an online store. Janns no longer handles Lamiglas, but has other high quality blanks like Sage, Loomis and St. Croix.

I think my next will be a St Croix. I like the other 5 St.Croix rods I have.

RG

[rgfixit]

We have a new forum for Rod Building in the Tips section .
Here's the link;
http://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/index.php?board=173.0

I'll probably move this topic later if no one has any objections.
RG