Hi

I am becoming increasingly interested in building a rod. Can anyone give any recommendations as to where to start, what packages are available, preferably UK based ?

Is it possible to build a rod as good as manufactured ones ?

Any info' gratefully received.

Thanks

Probably the rod done by an expert hand could be much better than any factory rod. I think that in the Uk should be the best rodbuilders because off your tradiction in fly fishing. Surely any mate wil post a ton of addresses. You can start with:
http://www.google.es/m/url?client=sa...dpeb6RJZn1hA-g

http://www.google.es/m/url?client=sa...CO3PSBxD4i-FqQ


http://www.google.es/m/url?client=sa...AtsllVwQoeHMMw



http://www.google.es/m/url?client=sa...OpBZKGN0SjhVRA

Speak to Steve Parkes username AtomSix

He is such a nice guy and I'm sure he will be able to tell you everything you need to know

__________________
The best way to a fisherman's heart is through his fly.

http://www.gardeningleave.org

Yes, with attention to detail and taking your time it's possible to build a rod every bit as good, if not better than a factory manufactured number. But at a greatly reduced price.

Go for it. Good luck.

Thanks GFL

Problem is, as I see it, is that there is an array of makes of blank available so how do you know what to buy...... ???

Well, better, yes thats for sure but reduced prices..

Flynnboy, as for knowing what to buy, thats a trial and error thing.. I build on a lot of makes of blanks and to be honest amongst the cheaper blanks there are quite some good ones especially if you look at the price.. On the other hand i know of some real dull high dollar/euro/pound blanks out there..

Let me know if i can help you out, do you know what you want from the rod? Are there any rods out there that compare with what you want to build??

One last question are you sure you want to go this route, it is very addictive this rod building thing..

Jerry

__________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Well, yes, I want to do it. I am a craftsman making musical instruments and I have all of the gear and the skills to do stuff like this including a really well equipped workshop. I like to build things to perfection.

If you want to build a 2/3/ or 4 piece rod how on Earth do you decide what sections to buy and where ? Do you always buy multiple sections from the same supplier ?

Haven't yet decided what I want to build as I actually have most of the rods I 'need'....... just want to build one.

you buy a complete blank, so thats all the pieces from one maker.. What is it you prefer, length, pieces, weight class, action?? If you just want to build a rod for the building of it, go on ebay buy a 13 pound blank and build away.. If you actually want to fish it and want a quality rod then think of what it is you look for in a rod..

Jerry

__________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Let's just say, for arguments sake, I want to build a 13' dbl handed spey rod similar to a B&W - how can I go about sourcing blanks that will be as good as B&W or any other named make you might mention ?

I want to build a rod to use not just look at.

The argument just went beyond my knowledge of blanks, i have build just three spey rods and the blanks i used for those were from Robert Meiser and Kerry Burkheimer.. I did get a lot of good reports from the two guys i build them for but other then that i can't help you..

Good luck with the build and maybe some one else can help regarding the spey blanks..

jerry

__________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.