rod building

I am just getting started and would like to make a few rods for myself and maybe a few for Christmas presents. It will never be a business for me for several reasons.

My question is this – it would appear to me that the guides on most factory rods, especially lower-end rods, are not wrapped with thread or by hand as we know it. What then is used instead? Do they use some sort of a shrink-wrap that cures with heat or some other means?

And are those wraps available to the public? What are the pros and cons of that type of wrap? Wrapping is one part of the process I am not good at, nor do I enjoy. There are definite limitations to what I do well with my hands and handwrapping beyond those limits.

Any help sincerely appreciated!

uffdapete
i have been building rods for 5 years now, and the only way that i know of to attach the guides to the rod is thread and a coat of flex-coat. there is nothing in any catalog that i have that is like what you discribe, nor have i ever seen anything like that on any mass produced rod. thin diameter thread with a good coat of flex-coat may look like shrink wrap but i bet if you look closer it was thread. the more you wrap the easyer it gets. good luck in getting started……………..tom f.

The St.Croix Co. uses thread and I’m sure some of the better rod companies use it also. Allthough I have came across some that used a ribbon type wrap and the shrink tubeing as well. If you want to try useing a different wrap I would sugest the ribbon over the shrink tube. I don’t think you would be able to find a outlet that sales it any ways.