On 9 Feb, 2005, at 15:44, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Just curious, is it difficult to build a rod?
No. unless you actually want to build the blank too (as in make a split bamboo blank, or even worse, a graphite fiber cloth impregnated with epoxy blank). Making the hardware (reel seat, rings) yourself is a little less demanding but still requires a lot of investment and practice... Assembling out of components (blank, reel seat, rings, cork rings, trim hardware, thread, and wrap coat) is pretty easy. I've gone as far as turning the reel seat insert (holly oak) and winding check (zebrawood) myself for my latest venture myself. Still have to assemble everything into a rod though. I have all the components ready (it will become a 2 pc 8' 3-weight, based on a St.Croix blank).
Pricey? (more or less compared to buying a rod outright?)
No, not pricey, but not a huge savings either... What you get is satisfaction (especially after a few rods...) at a somewhat lower cost. Eventually, you'll make rods that seriously surpass factory rods in looks.
Can you build a spey rod? (I'd immagine so, but thought I'd ask...)
Yeah why not. All components are readily available.
What type of time commitment is needed (ie is it a snap-together thing, or what all is involved?)
Selecting blank and components. Shaping the handle and attaching the reel seat. Testing the blank (i.e. finding the spine). deciding on the ring spacing and wrapping the rings. Coating the wraps and letting them dry. Maybe embellishing the rod. All in all, you can do a decent rods in a couple of evenings.
Where does one get started with finding information? Book recomendations welcome - I have a decent library nearby with a great ILL program.
On the internet. Start with www.globalflyfisher.com. Books. Several are available, although most are not really up to date. I have Morris', Garcia's and Clemens' books. Talk to other people who have done it. It ain't hard. You will need a contraption to rotate the rod while the coating dries, preferably in a dust-free environment...
Any help is greatly appreciated, as I've been curious about this for a while. I know that rods don't magically fall out of trees (wouldn't that be great?!) but are built... and yet I'm clueless how that is done.
Come by and I'll show you ;-)
Henk
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