So I just got back from my in-laws for Thanksgiving, and several of my "fisherman in-laws" asked if I could build them an inexpensive (cheap) rod for Christmas.

Given how much time there is to get this done, and how much (little) they are willing to reimburse me for the components, I thought that "rod blanks with pre-installed grips and reel seats" might be the solution.

I have heard from previous BB discussions that there are various opinons as to the quality of these units, but given the cost and time, I am willing to take a chance for myself.

Can anyone please help me with a phone number or web site that I can order these from? I need fresh water 6ft. casting blanks.

Thanks
Steve S.

I have heard in the past that some of the pre-assembled rods are not spined properly.

I suggest a cheaper import blank with cork tape???

We do not carry 6' imports, but maybe some of the shops listed on this site do.

Greg
[www.ReelsAndEels.com]

It wouldn't take that much time for you to install a preformed grip and seat on a blank yourself. That way you could spine it and get what you want. Maybe take what, an hour at best?

Oh yea, I think it was CUI Products that offered those prebuilt handles on blanks. They are listed as a sponsor on this site but the link is not active. Maybe their site is not up yet.

Steve , I'm not sure what you mean by how much they want to reimburse you for but a blem and some less exspensive fuji components should do fine,(still better than a K-mart rod). I would only do it for a friend that is not willing to buy a good custom rod.

Steve,
We can help you with both set-ups or blems. Link for Summer
Moon is on the left. Ed

Go to Mudhole and look at the Specials Section those blanks are pretty niceEd wrote:

Hi Steve.

Here is an option.

Buy cheap factory rods that will do the job. Remove or wrap over the company name, extra butt wrap etc.

Add the persons name and epoxy all the wraps.

Charge them twice what you paid for the rods.

And hope you dion't get caught. Good luck.

Capt Neil

Steve,
Couple of points.
To pride yourself as a custom rod builder I would go with assembling the grips from a kit something like the St. Croix handle kits. They are very good quality, giving you a finished custom look you'll be proud of showing off to your relatives and saying you did it yourself. The extra step of assembling the handle shouldn't take you that long anyway.

Also, consider a first run blank rather than the blems. You might be surprised the cost isn't much of a factor. You can find some very good Forecast brand blanks that fit this category and are not seconds or blems.

I like to think whether for a friend, relative, or customer it is the quality of your craftsmanship as a custom builder you'll wish to show through. and the preassembled rods, or doctoring factory rods, while being an alterative, will not necessarily save you that much time or money.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel Service

Steve,

I bought a reamer kit from Custom Tackle, and I got three pieces of blank and some abrasive grit. I applied epoxy to the blanks and rolled them in the grit.

Although I was told these were not for machine use, I decided to try putting one in my 18V 1/2" DeWalt cordless drill and turning at low speed. It was AWESOME! I can ream out a 10" rear grip PERFECTLY in two or three minutes! Then, I do the same thing with the front grip and Graphite Arbors! (for them, a very slow speed works best, by the way)

In four rods, I've had to spot-apply more grit only once. GREAT time saver, and might take the bite out of making your in-laws their rods. But I must admit, I like Capt. Neil's reply! :-)

TH

Steve


CUI does have blank and handle set ups.

the blanks and the handle sets are a good quality and the service has always been top notch for me