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I'm spending the day in the shop assembling a 6' lightweight spinning rod. I'll be sure to chronicle my misadventure here.
Im starting with a custom spinning rod kit I purchased from Cabela's a couple of years ago.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...pstfnhxgsr.jpg
I'm sure it will turn out fine.
Don't see a single thing wrong yet!!!
Make me one!
I've got the rear handle epoxied on & the arbors for the real seat placed as well. Once the epoxy has hardened I'll attach the reel seat. Unfortunately the epoxy that came with the kit is one hour epoxy, so I've got some waiting to do. Guess I'll do some cleaning in the shop while I wait. Plus, I need to see if I can build a rod dryer so the rod finish will dry smooth.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...pseztotmqq.jpg
Note to self....don't use the epoxy that comes with the kit....it doesn't harden. (Shop is warm, completely mixed, proper ratio)
:popcorn
After a break of a few hours to help a friend lay out where his house is gonna go on his property, I'm back to work on the rod. The reel seat & fore grip are now in position.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...psuuf9pkwp.jpg
:popcorn
Looking good keep it going
Hmmm.....seems like I've done something wrong. Time to go home for supper. To be continued tomorrow.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...pscj1nvlxp.jpg
I'm liking this. Let me quote someone else on the board, "You Can Do It".
Thanks for the encouragement. I feel pretty confident that after a few screw ups, I'll figure out how to do it right. :biggrin
Just pull tight!
Updates?
Currently fishing @ Greeson. Maybe tonight I'll get back after it.
This wrap looks a lot better than my first attempt. Only 5 more guides to wrap.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...pswr4kp6wt.jpg
Looks good. I have built several rods in the past and they are a lot of fun to do.
Looks like your gettin there !!! Nice
Dang thats pretty. Is there a varnish or something that goes over the wrap now?I know all the store bought rods have some kind of lacquer or varnish on them, never looked at a hand built or custom rod, and never built a rod.
Yes, a rod finish is applied over the thread. I've only been getting a few minutes here & there to work on it. I'm making it look much more difficult than it is. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to put the finish & tip top on tomorrow.Quote:
Originally Posted by gzrglide
I built a homemade hand rod wrapper for wrapping the guides. It works ok, but I'm having a little trouble getting it to keep a constant tension on the thread.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...psuojnrumk.jpg
Hey bud a cheap way is to run your thread thru a book, more books equal more tension. Works great and is free lol. I held mine to wrap. You can get fancy and put an overlay colored thread too. Also use a gold or silver sharpee to sign it then clear coat over the signature
I'll have to give that book method a try if I build another one. I've seen some will sit on the thread as well.
I've managed to get the rod finish on and it's currently spinning away in my homemade rod dryer. Supposedly it only takes one coat of finish, but I think I'm gonna put a second coat on after the recommended wait time.
I guess it's time for me to take the masking tape off of the rod. It's there to show me where the spine of the rod is located.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps12ptfn6o.jpg
The spine should've been located before the eyes and grip were put if I Remember right. Put the guides along the spine was the way I did it. What kinda dryer you using. I had to borrow friends when I built mine lol.
I found the spine first thing & put the tape on the rod and marked where the spine was. I afixed the handle & guides accordingly. The rod turner is an ice cream maker motor with a homemade adapter. It worked alright & was cheaper than buying a dryer.Quote:
Originally Posted by arkansasbowhunter
Hey that is an awesome idea on the turner. Sounds like ya got it down bud.
looking good
He should have been an inventor...well I guess he is. He used to live on junk yard wars...even staged a mock junkyard wars for one of his shop classes!! He will amaze you with what he can come up with. Guess that is why he is an engineer/teacher! :)
Great job man!! Now go catch some fish with it! You might have said...but what length, action, weight, etc is it?
Old grill rotisary motor will work fine also.
Its a 6' ultralight rod. Rated for 2-6# test line and less than 1/4oz lures. It's got a surprising amount of backbone. I think it will make a great trout/smallmouth rod. Doubt it will replace the 7'er I use casting jigs for crappie.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapper
That was my first thought, but I didn't have one, so ice cream maker it was. If I ever see a rotisserie motor at a yard sale for cheap, I'll get one.Quote:
Originally Posted by cray
I like this. Jenius with a capital J. I miss a couple days and come back and...Awesome.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AgriHawg