Just thought I would introduce myself to the group. First, I haven't built a rod in at least 45 years. I grew up on the west coast and as a kid / teenager i did everything from being a deckhand, pulled lobster traps, worked in fish markets, and tackle stores. I used to wrap rods on my lap, because i could't afford a machine. Now at age 62 i will be retired next month, and have decided i would like to wrap some rods again. This time I will invest in a hand wrapper, and perhaps move to a power wrapper later. I have been doing a lot of reading and realize as I should that materials have changed to the better along with techniques. I look forward to reading the posts, and viewing all the fine looking rods the members here have built, and just maybe I will post a picture of my work after re-learning the techniques. Diamond wrap was a popular style back then so I think I'll start with that when I'm up and running.

Jerry

Just for the heck of it
Go to the bottom of this page and click on LAST and see how many pages are here about Rod Building

This is the best site for info on it
Check the sponcers on the left Also on the Black baner Come back and just read any posts You will learn a lot just from them

Welcome Aboard -- there is also a Mag that has many NEW idears and things about how to build rods Sudscrib to it

Bill - willierods.com

Jerry, where are you living now?? If In western WA State, I may be able to help you out. Randy

Jerry, are you looking to sell rods? That matters a lot as far as advice goes. That would tie in with where you live too. Some areas are into bling and decorative wraps have come a long way. Computer software is something to consider for that market.

The basics haven't changed one bit. Do forget about spine...and learn about acid/spiral wrap. Some new ideas on guide sizing and layout. Static testing still rules though. The good names from the past, if still around, are still good. These days a moderate priced "over seas" blank can be a very fine blank. About the only "must change" would be if you used varnish on guide wraps.....oh and don't scribe layout marks on new lightweight graphite blanks:)

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I moved to SC 35 years ago. I still miss living near the ocean. I live about 1.45 hrs from the beach and try to get down there every other week or more during the summer. Hope to relocate there someday. I will be doing some surf fishing after I retire next month. Thanks for the offer.

Jerry

Russell Brunt Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jerry, are you looking to sell rods? That matters
> a lot as far as advice goes. That would tie in
> with where you live too. Some areas are into
> bling and decorative wraps have come a long way.
> Computer software is something to consider for
> that market.
>
> The basics haven't changed one bit. Do forget
> about spine...and learn about acid/spiral wrap.
> Some new ideas on guide sizing and layout. Static
> testing still rules though. The good names from
> the past, if still around, are still good. These
> days a moderate priced "over seas" blank can be a
> very fine blank. About the only "must change"
> would be if you used varnish on guide wraps.....oh
> and don't scribe layout marks on new lightweight
> graphite blanks:)

Not at this time. I will be building for my own pleasure. I am involved with the Elks and when I believe my skills are up to par I will probably use the rods I build for my lodge to raffle off. The money they raise goes to good causes. Word of mouth and requests will guide my efforts. Hey, I've got to have some hobbies, and what better way then to try something I was pretty good at when I was a kid.

Jerry

bill boettcher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just for the heck of it
> Go to the bottom of this page and click on LAST
> and see how many pages are here about Rod Building
>
>
> This is the best site for info on it
> Check the sponcers on the left Also on the Black
> baner Come back and just read any posts You will
> learn a lot just from them
>
> Welcome Aboard -- there is also a Mag that has
> many NEW idears and things about how to build rods
> Sudscrib to it

I'll do that. Thanks.
Jerry

Also
Check the mag site You can get Back Issues of the mag for things you missed
Also check the Buy Sell page some builders sell back issues

Bill - willierods.com