For you new and moderately experienced builders, myself included, I've found that most of the general rod building questions posted on this site are answered quite effectively in Tom Kirkman's new book "Rod-Building Guide." In about 50 pages, with plenty of good photos, you'll find up-to-date tips and information about blanks and modulus, spine and guide placement, seats and grips, adhesives and finishing techniques, etc. In deference to Tom--not asking him to repeat himself too frequently--I highly recommend his book as your primary reference tool. Most suppliers sell it for around 15 bucks. Add it to your next order.

Rob what you say is entirely correct, however careful reading of the post usually indicates someone did something and the project didn't turn out the way it was intended hence the why questions in addition most of the newer builders are probably not aware of the book and its excellent descriptions are how to projects. The book does not tell anyone how to correct a problem only how to do it right the first time. For myself I had been using the old rod bond for years without a problem did something a little stupid one time and ended up with a mess,Ralph knew immediatley what happened and what caused the problem, these boards really contains 100s of years experience with using various experience something no book could ever possibly cover,just my opinion

John is right to a great extent. But we did the book from that very perspective - showing how to do it right the first time. So many of the most frenquently asked questions are thoroughly covered in both my book and several others as well.

The nicest thing about these various message boards is that a rod builder in a jam can get immediate help. And, the more answers the better! (We are approaching 2 million hits in less than 2 months now. Obviously, that doesn't represent 2 million different rod builders, but how many times people have logged into the site. This is very possibly the largest and most heavily used rod building message board on the internet now and we haven't really advertised it yet!)

I would add that the "search" feature of this site is an extremely effective way for anyone to quickly gather information on a variety of topics without having to wait for answers to come in.

I appreciate Rob's comment on the book. It was designed for the very purpose he mentioned. Only wish I could have made it bigger and covered so many more topics in much more depth. Oh well, that's what the next couple will delve into. To Amato Books credit, they did include a full 100 full color photographs. It's a heck of a steal at $15.

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Agreed. Didn't mean to imply that all posts are answered by the book--though many are--just that most general "how to" questions are answered for beginner and intermediate builders. I personally posted three or four questions I found answered very effectively in Tom's book. Hate to see him repeat a dozen times what he's already said and written, although I'm sure he's used to it by now.

By the way Tom, who makes that neat looking woven graphite blank on the cover and on page five?

The "woven" blank you mention is a Loomis Hybrid Stand-Up blank. These are my personal favorite for that type fishing. Tough, strong and very light. Also very expensive!

I also got Tom's book along with 5 other rod building how-to books. I ordered them all at one time and started reading them for about an hour each evening. I devoured them. Tom's book has been far and away the most helpful and it is the one I keep going back to for reference. Can't wait for his next one.