Rod Building Questions - Texas Fishing Forum

Rod Building Questions - 01/11/17 04:30 AM

I have built a few rods, but I always just buy the kits that include everything (the blank, grip, reel seat, guides, tip top, etc). I'd like to be able to pick and choose what components I want, but the sizing is freaking me out. My questions are like this:

If the butt diameter is .52, do I need buy a butt cap that matches that, or is bigger?

If the tip is "4", do I need to order a size 4 tip top? Or bigger?

Are all measurements on a site like Mudhole using the same metric system?

If I wanted to do a split grip, how do I order the correct sizes of grips, reel seat, and winding checks that will match the diameter at the proper points?

What other questions am I not asking that you can anticipate me needing to know the answer to?

I know this is a lot, so thanks for your time!

Posted By: ShamrockSmith

Re: Rod Building Questions - 01/11/17 08:35 AM

Originally Posted By: mikelester121

I have built a few rods, but I always just buy the kits that include everything (the blank, grip, reel seat, guides, tip top, etc). I'd like to be able to pick and choose what components I want, but the sizing is freaking me out. My questions are like this:

If the butt diameter is .52, do I need buy a butt cap that matches that, or is bigger?

Buy a little smaller. Use a reamer to gently sand the inner diameter to correct size.

If the tip is "4", do I need to order a size 4 tip top? Or bigger?

The tube is size 4 or the guide is size 4? If the tip of the rod uses a 04 tube (1.6mm) then use the exact size. Cut a sliver of rod tip adhesive, stick it into the tube of the tip, heat with lighter then twist it around as your pushing it down. Stop it in the correct position.

Are all measurements on a site like Mudhole using the same metric system?

Yes. Millimeters most common measurement.

If I wanted to do a split grip, how do I order the correct sizes of grips, reel seat, and winding checks that will match the diameter at the proper points?

A good caliper. Or MudHole has a download of most blanks measurements taken every 10 inches.

What other questions am I not asking that you can anticipate me needing to know the answer to?

I know this is a lot, so thanks for your time!

Posted By: mikelester121

Re: Rod Building Questions - 01/11/17 12:29 PM

Thanks Kevin!

Any more advice for the ordering process would be greatly appreciated!

Posted By: squib

Re: Rod Building Questions - 01/11/17 01:02 PM

Call Anglers Workshop and tell them what you are doing. They will fit all the pieces to the blank and send you the correct stuff.

http://www.anglersworkshop.com

Posted By: Connor S

Re: Rod Building Questions - 01/11/17 06:47 PM

Originally Posted By: mikelester121

I have built a few rods, but I always just buy the kits that include everything (the blank, grip, reel seat, guides, tip top, etc). I'd like to be able to pick and choose what components I want, but the sizing is freaking me out. My questions are like this:

If the butt diameter is .52, do I need buy a butt cap that matches that, or is bigger?

If the tip is "4", do I need to order a size 4 tip top? Or bigger?

Are all measurements on a site like Mudhole using the same metric system?

If I wanted to do a split grip, how do I order the correct sizes of grips, reel seat, and winding checks that will match the diameter at the proper points?

What other questions am I not asking that you can anticipate me needing to know the answer to?

I know this is a lot, so thanks for your time!

Great question.

I used to ask myself the same things starting out, and through trial and error.. keyword error. I found some things that are very helpful to me.

As a general rule buy bigger unless you have a way to ream out the part to fit where you want it to, because you can always create an arbor with masking tape or find a way to make it work when applying epoxy.

ex: .25" inside diameter cork or eva can be reamed to fit a .65" rod blank.

Tip Tops order .5 bigger; "5" rod tip order "5.5" tip top; a 5 either won't fit at all or will be too tight to have any glue fit in it.

MHX provides a great dimension chart that I use when building their blanks for exposed seats and winding checks.

http://www.mudhole.com/assets/images/content/MHX-Dimensions-Winding-Checks-Exposed-Seats.pdf

You will inevitably buy a wrong sized reel seat or winding check but don't let that scare you. It's all a learning process and you will make mistakes, but that is how you learn and get better.

Most all the big rod building suppliers have great customer service and are more than willing to help you out.

If you're not against paying twice for shipping you can always order the blank first and take measurements of the blank with a caliper.

Good luck with the builds and feel free to DM if you have any other questions. Tight Lines!!

Posted By: Connor S

Re: Rod Building Questions - 01/11/17 07:03 PM

Also starting out the 6g packets of Prokote from mudhole helped me with getting the perfect 50/50 mix on my finish epoxies so you don't end up with a tacky or discolored coat. One packet will do an entire rod coating.

I'd start/stay with the single use packets unless you're going to move up to an epoxy with a 1cc pump or if measure epoxy by weight. Measuring epoxy by volume and sight in a measuring cup will lead to issues.

Posted By: mikelester121

Re: Rod Building Questions - 01/12/17 05:08 AM

Wow Connor S, Thank you for all the insight! Truly appreciate it!