Questions about Rod Building

"Don46" wrote in message
oups.com...
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


Don,
I think it's great that you're thinking taking up rod-building again after
30+ years, and where cost isn't the object. As far as the blank, I did
have the opportunity of casting the Sage Z-Axis in a 9' 5wt 4pc side by side
with Winston Boron IIx 9' 5wt 4pc at the San Jose Fly Shop. Jim, one of the
employees who is also a pretty darn good caster was also evaluating the
two fly-rods. We both thought the Winston was a much better casting rod.
If you can, I would cast the two rods and make your own judgment as
well as other 5wt's before selecting a blank.

As far if it's going to look like a factory or a home-made rod, you're the
only one who could answer that one. I've seen beautiful custom builds, and
some sorry looking ones too, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
It's good that fish don't critique craftsmanship, but instead the
presentation
skills of the angler.

Here is also a Rod Building Seminar link by Bob Widgren:
http://www.flyfisherman.com/rodbuilding/
good luck with your rediscovered hobby,
-tom