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A-5

Moderator
Don309. Pics are hard. But pics of some of the things I’ve done. Very basic is good for me
 

Don M

Well-known member
I just bought a kit it had everything I needed including the glue and epoxy. Plus a dvd and book to get me started. So I’m set for even fixing up my older rods.

I just bought a kit it had everything I needed including the glue and epoxy. Plus a dvd and book to get me started. So I’m set for even fixing up my older rods.
What starter kit did you get? And where did you get it?
 

Solitario Lupo

Moderator
Kit and store.

 

Randy Z

Well-known member
I started simple with a starter kit from Mudhole. Worked fine. But after a few rods, I broke down and purchased the power wrapper/dryer. SO MUCH EASIER!!! Much more stable, easier to spin, long wraps take seconds! Only draw back is you need 8ft of space. I use Pro Kote and Flex Coat to seel my threads, I dont see a big difference except that the Pro Kote goes on thicker. I guess in all the questions on here, it all depends on how deep you want to go, and how deep your pockets are. I would say my start up cost was around 2 grand after getting everything i really wanted. Guide kits, tip top kits, tape kit, dryers, drying tent, heater, thread, decoration, RAZOR BLADE'S!!!!! SUPPLIES!!!!!....................... Its never ending. Excuse the mess please. Lol
 

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Randy Z

Well-known member
I just want to say that, trying something new is tough. It might look great, or it might look shity. I have tried several different things on my own rods that looked like crap! Does the rod still perform? You betcha. Just not that pretty. My advice to trying different things, do it on a broken rod, or do it on a rod for yourself. I made a 5 weight fly rod and tried some funky colors mixed in the epoxy, did it look good when done? Well not so much, do i still fish with it till this day? Hell yeah!!! Its awesome. Dont do something that your not confident with, on someone else's rod. My rods may have flaws in the decoration department, but in the performance department, fantastic!
 

Don M

Well-known member
Yeah Randy, I do it for fun, and never sold one. I have given quite a few away, Every year I give away at least 2 rods and UL Mitchell's to young anglers. I did luck out and met a guy that was from N. Jersey now down south. He builds near 100 rods a year, and has mentored me through builds, and problems I might have. This will be the 2nd year I may only build 2 rods. My friend would go to the International custom rod building show. I would have him pick me up 6 UL blanks & 3 - 4 7 1/2' inshore blanks along with reel seats, thread, and handles for the inshore one's. Mudhole would sell stuff cheap the last day UL blanks $1.00 - $2.00 a foot, inshore blanks 50% off etc.
Last year and this year he didn't attend because of Covid.
I did use Pro Kote and Flex Coat, but tried Thread Master Lite Build and love it. I also bought 2 sets of syringes for measuring even parts.
 
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