Rod Building Setup

I have been playing with the idea of building rods on and off for many years. I have watched many videos and looked at many different kits. The cheap kits look, well cheap. And I don’t want to start with one of the high $$$ kits either. So I am working on designing / building some jigs to make rods. The hard part is never built a rod before and don’t know what I would like. For you rod builders out there. Would you be willing to post a picture of your station and say why you like this or would change that? If you don’t live too far away from Farmington you can PM me and I will bring over your favorite beer.

I hope some builders reply to Tuma’s post. I am in the same fix, I would like to build a rod or two but need to see what I need to get started.

ClearCreek

I don’t have pictures and my wrapper certainly isn’t pretty, but it’s functional enough that I’ve built a couple dozen rods on it.

I made mine from a 1×8, eye screws, bolts/nuts/washers, wingnuts, a spring, and some felt. Very simple, easy to make, and cheap. I think the keys are getting consistent thread tension and having adjustable rod supports.

For a rod dryer I use my cordless drill with a U-Bolt on the trigger switch. I use that same drill for applying epoxy, turning cork grips, and sanding blanks.

When I first started I used two metal “y’s” and a thick book to provide tension on the thread!

Its all about making minor adjustments either by moving the rod from side to side and how much rod hangs over. Second is adjusting pressure to your thread. Its more of a work in progress as you start building. You also have to store your equipment so don’t get to long or elaborate.

Mudholes kit cant go wrong:
http://www.mudhole.com/CRB-Freshwater-Turnkey-Rod-Kits

Nice post from the past. https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/ice_1320851/

I have purchased a turnkey kit from MudHole, everything looks quality enough for me. Haven’t had a chance to do the build yet, but I was not disappointed when I looked it over

I would take a rod making class first before you invest in the equipment. Watching a video and making a rod are very different things. I made a few summer rods and a ice rod in a class before buying my own equipment. Make sure you enjoy it before you invest, and the teacher will show you the right way rather than trial and error. I bought my stuff from mud hole too, and am very happy with it.

FYI, Checkout out the thread I just started in the ice fishing forum. link: https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/ice-rod-building-guide-size-and-spacing-database/ . might be of interest to some of you and I am more than willing to offer input on specifics.

I started out using a Shoe box with 2 v groves in each end to hold the rod while I wrapped it. And a short piece of 2×6 with a couple nails and a weight to pull the thread tight.

Buy one of the $34 home made rod drying set up off EBay the stands work good also for wrapping and the 6 RPM motor works great for applying the epoxy.

I have looked for some classes and the only ones I have been able to find are from Mud Hole. Does anyone know of any other classes being offered?

I think Thorne brothers used to have classes, but I’m not sure if they still do or not. The guy I learned from passed away a few years ago.

Thorne Bros does not offer rod building classes anymore but Dustin at DH is going to offer them at some point in the near future.

I will keep an eye on DH than. This is the 3rd year in a row I have not been able to make the times mud hole has their classes offered. This year it is boy scouts pinewood derby keeping me out of the class.

Gone Fishing wrote:

Thorne Bros does not offer rod building classes anymore but Dustin at DH is going to offer them at some point in the near future.

When those become available a PSA would be great here, thanks

Check your local community ed offerings for rod building classes. A decent wrapping kit should include a detailed book but there is nothing like hands on so the advice to take a class is very good advice. I’d also look for a good book on rod wrapping patterns that describes the process for each pattern in detail.

Make sure the work area affords some very good lighting that doesn’t cast shadows on your wrapping.

Here’s a little pointer that can save you a lot of work. Go to some garage sales and find a junker with a fairly large butt section, cut the handle off and again at the large guide. Clean all the decals and thread winding off it and then use this to practice winding on, the tie offs especially. Thread is about the cheapest aspect of rod wrapping and this is a good way to practice new wraps before heading to the real rod. Its also a great way to learn to use some of the tools you’ll find handy for keeping wraps tight and close together. Working on a larger section of rod allows you better visibility, more surface area, to see where the wraps get loose maybe or where wraps have crossed over other wraps. When you finish a practice session you can simply cut the thread off or do as I always did and re-wind it on the original spool to use again for practice. Don’t use the thread again if you save it for a good wrap as it may have some stretch in it. It’ll be good enough for practice but you’ll want new thread for your masterpiece.