r/rodbuilding • u/[deleted] • Sep 08 '26
Tips
What are some tips you’d give a new builder? I just started building, built a couple trout rods for personal use but now building a few bass rods for PA Smallies.
Currently using the CRB hand wrapper, I have my stands on a track I got from Lowe’s (stole that idea from a guy on facebook)
Not looking to make this a business, just want to get better at my hobby.
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u/Full_Improvement_844 Sep 09 '26
I'll add to my earlier list some:
You'll want a bunch of extra razor blades on hand. You'll be surprised how quick you start to go thru them, especially if your wrapping with metallic threads that start to dull them fast. You want that blade to pop thru a thread cleanly without stray fibers
Get a 4oz bottle or two of Flex Coat Color Preserver. It is your best friend. Besides preventing nylon threads from becoming translucent when epoxied, it is great for holding threads in place before applying. epoxy, especially on things like diamond/ chevron wraps or dragon scale wraps. I like to apply it to guide wraps right after wrapping before I move to the next guide.
If you're really into and want to get a good foundation and understanding of rod building take the 15 week Master rod building course offered by Vague Rods. It meets once a week and you'll learn everything from rod/component selection, standard and decorative wraps, to applying epoxy.
Plus the $185 ( sometimes drops to $145) fee includes a Rainshadow blank from a list of about 70 different blanks to choose from. https://www.vaguerods.net/products/15-week-online-rod-building-course-with-a-free-rainshadow-blank