Forecast rod wrappe/dryer

[Full Throttle]

I am going to attempt my first rod build and I want to make the investment up front for a good rod wrapper and dryer. Are the ones offered at Batson a good choice, and what are must have options.

I want something I don't have to upgrade later, and have learned to just buy quality the first time around, so that's my goal.

Any suggestions?

Also, are there any veteran rod builders willing to teach the process? I know there are books and such, but I would much rather pay an experienced rod builder to walk me through the process the first time.

I recently broke the tip off an xst 1084 and I'm going to attempt a rebuild of the top half when I receive my replacement.

Thanks

[Hookmiester]

I cant say on the wrappers or dryers, I agree to go with quality tho. Its amazing what info you can get from the books, here from the builders, and just surfing on line. You could contact Jim Elstad at Elstads rod and reel repair here in Salem. He is a good resource. Jon

[StickFish]

Pac Bay or Forecast wrapper are pretty much the same tool. Which ever you get - make sure the rod supports do not have the spring over top wheel. The other style uses all wing nuts to adjust and is a much better rod support IMO.

I would highly recommend upgrading the chuck. The standard chuck while usable it requires using tape and rubber bands to keep the blank in the chuck.

Some community colleges have rod building classes. I'd offer to teach you some of the steps but I'm in Tigard and your in Salem.

There are better tools, but they cost a lot more money. Custom Power Wrapper (CPW) makes some very nice tools and has some nice options. Renzitti makes what lots of folks think of as the top tool. Flexcoat also makes a decent tool.

[Full Throttle]

I appreciate the advise on the chuck and supports. I would have never known that. I'm also looking at a wrapper from Mudhole by American Tackle that looks pretty nice.

[Bobbin for steel]

I would strongly encourage you to invest in some books! AND talk to a local builder willing to teach you. The trouble with going to anyone and learning to do something is you then know (maybe) that one thing. While that is good, it is only a starting point. By all means find someone willing to help you out.
As for the "process", it varies. I don't see it as step #1, step #2 . . . . out pops a nice rod. There are different finishes, different wrapping techniques, different types of handles to use, spinners vs. baitcasters vs. surf rods vs. fly rods vs. boat rods vs. on and on. I wish you all the best on your first build. Catching a fish on a rod you built is very nice. But it is really just a start.
As for the wrapper my input would be to learn to wrap by hand at first. Get a good feel for what to do. Very recently on rodbuilding.org someone posed a question about power versus hand wrapping. You would be surprised at how many veteran builders responded they do a lot of wrapping by hand while many own one or more power wrappers. Just my thoughts.

[FCJ]

Contact Kendra at Lamiglas to sign up for the Rod Builders April 2,3,4 at the Lamiglas plant in Woodland. PacBay, Batson. and American Tackle there with catalogues and samples. It is kind of a drop-in affair for the seminars on Friday evening and all day Saturday. You will be able to ask questions of some of the most knowledgable custom rod builders and all will be pleased to answer questions. There is no fee for the seminars.

[Green Giant]

Books I would highly recommend to get started in rod building are Fiberglass rod building (put your thumb over the word fiberglass, the concepts are the same for graphite) or Advanced Custom Rod building by Dale Clemens. These books have been around for years, might be able to find one used at Powells or Amazon

Go to the classes at Lamiglass

Hobbyist level Rod Wrapper: I have used a Sulleys for years. Really like it. Don't know if they are still available.

Have fun and enjoy building your own rods

my :twocents: worth

Gary

[2slow]

Contact Kendra at Lamiglas to sign up for the Rod Builders April 2,3,4 at the Lamiglas plant in Woodland. PacBay, Batson. and American Tackle there with catalogues and samples. It is kind of a drop-in affair for the seminars on Friday evening and all day Saturday. You will be able to ask questions of some of the most knowledgable custom rod builders and all will be pleased to answer questions. There is no fee for the seminars.


You will learn more in one day at this workshop than you can in a couple volumes of information from books. Some of the best rod builders in the country attend this, along with a couple of the premier component manufacturers in the country. I have attended every year since I became aware of it and still enjoy and learn from it. I am always amazed at how people involved with this craft are willing to share their knowledge and technique. The best day is Saturday as it is filled with different workshops and plenty of time for one on one conversation to learn from all skill levels of rod builders. There are many methods and techniques that can be used in rod building. MANY are Chevy and Ford things and there are many little tips and tricks that individuals have picked up through years of application that arent in books but are extremely helpful to the average rod builder. I think this interaction with the other rod builders is just as valuable as the workshop sessions themselves.

Lamiglas deserves many kudos for hosting this event in their factory and on top of that invite their competitors to attend and advertise their products while standing on the workfloor of Lamiglas's rod building factory!!:applause:

[Full Throttle]

Thanks for the seminar information. I'll give them a call and plan on attending this workshop. Cant wait to get started.

Thanks to everyone for your advise. Much appreciated.

[Amp]

Good luck with it I hope you are able to fix the pole you broke.