On Oct 3, 1:11 pm, Don46 wrote:
I'm thinking I might treat myself to a new rod this winter and am
considering building my own. I did this 30+ years ago and still have a
very servicable rod built with a Phillips (are they still in
business?) rod blank. I am considering a 4 piece 5wt 9ft Sage Z-Axis,
though I am open to persuasion on that matter. The cost of a kit at
Cabelas and other places is somewhere over $325 vs the cost of a
factory built rod, about $650. Cost is not really the object here.
I'm bit better fixed than I was 30 years ago! I think I would enjoy
the process and knowing I'm fishing with another rod I built
myself.
I'm asking for advice: is the final product going to look like the
factory made rod? Or is it likely to look home made? After all, my
experience is going to be very limited and there is not much room for
experimentation and improvement.

What do you recommend that I consider, besides the Z-Axis, in this
size rod?
What tips might you have for a beginner rod builder?

--Don

On of the things that distinguishes poor DIY rods are big blobs of
epoxy on the winding thread. My advise: put something ( I have used
Mylar tape but I would search for something better on a $350 blank)
under the guides and threads so the varnish, epoxy or whatever you use
won't stick to the blank. Don't use to much of it and get or make a
good mechanish to turn it until the stuff dries. You don't want
blobby windings on a $350 blank. Blobby guides may not affect
performance but you don't want it looking like a $29.95 korean POS.