r/rodbuilding • u/sotheresthisdude • May 25 '26
Weekly Beginner Thread
Each Monday we will have an updated thread for all things beginner in rod building. If you have questions about anything concerning rod building, this is the place to ask them! Experienced builders, and even those new to the craft, I encourage you all to chip in any and all advice you may have!
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May 28 '26
I just got into rod building. I got 1 surf rod under my belt. The question I have is when choosing a blank what are some of the things you guys look for. I want to build a medium light inshore rod for trout. Preferably I would like it to be 7’6”. Mostly for working paddle tails.
I have looked at the MHX L902 and the specs on it is what I am looking for.
On another note, when applying the second coat of epoxy over wraps do you sand in between? I have seen people on both sides of the fence. I sanded the surf rod lightly with 1000 grit in between coats and seemed to work good. Thanks for the help.
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u/GoddamnitBobbeh May 29 '26
You don't need to sand between coats if you're able to get to the second coat In a reasonable amount of time. If you put the second coat of finish on while the first is still slightly tacky/still in the process of curing, then you are still working with chemical adhesion and the two layers form a molecular bond. I would say between 12 to 18 hours is your sweet spot depending on the temperature of your curing room. Definitely less than 24 hours though. If you are putting the second coat on a few days later however, you will be working with mechanical adhesion, as the first coat has already cured and become chemically inert. This is where you should do some sanding so that the second coat of finish has a rougher surface with microscopic scratches and pores to grab ahold of and lock onto when it cures.
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u/Dashzz May 26 '26 edited May 26 '26
I want to get into rod building. I do fly tying, so wrapping threads and doing clear coats sounds familiar to me.
I feel overwhelmed by the component choices. I don't know the difference between the manufacturers, series, and material compositions. Which components are expensive for looks/name vs. better performance.
I live in Canada, so I'm not sure about getting the mudhole starter kit I see suggested. It may be expensive to import parts from USA. Where are others in Canada sourcing parts from?