i know an american who builds all his own rods but hes a long way from lancashire, where/how do i start, it all seems a mystery to me. ring positionong, handle, reel seat? can some one simplify?

Grimme,
If you check out my thread called "First Fly Rod Build" on page 3 it may help as I tried to record each step as I went along including all the mistakes!!!
There's loads of guys on here that will help.
TC

__________________
Used to be an angry young man, now I'm an angry old man.

You can bomb people into pieces but you cant bomb them into peace.

I followed topconkers thread as I built my first rod. Better than a book . AND I saved it for future ref, thanks TC

Chris.

Oh forgot to say I bought his old hand thread wrapping tool thingy and did that make a diff or what. Get one of those if you can, saves loads of time...

__________________
" I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish except that we like it and it makes us think and feel".
Roderick L Haig-Brown

top conkers thread was 1st rate. Taniwha also put me onto this:

Fiberglass Rod Making by CLEMENS, Dale P: Winchester Press, New York 9780876911365 Hard Cover, - Cornish Book World

Very good reference source for when you want to do that bit more

Hi Grimme

As the guys on here have said, TC's thread was pretty good. However if you fancy a road trip, I'm in Shropshire near to Newport and I'd happily spend a couple of hours with you to point you in the right direction.

Cheers

__________________
Steve Parkes

www.atomsix.co.uk

info@atomsix.co.uk

Terenzio silk fly lines

Atomsix furled leaders

previously
www.zenithflyrods.co.uk

There is an offer you cant refuse. Nice one Mr Parkes.

Wish I was within striking distance, as I would be doing my best to join you. I can be very persuasive:

There is a start to finish of buiding a fly rod on you tube, it's done over several numbered videos. A good visual reference for you also.