This always happens to me. I get into something and when I get through, I have too much stuff left over. Not very cost efficient and pretty wastefull all around.

Any of you know approximately how much stuff I need to make a few rods?

I plan on building three rods.
Two GSB1081Ls (one is for Mindi so I'll let her feel it and if it's too long, it might get cut back to 8'6" or even 8 even) but the other one is definitely staying at 9. I would actually like to have it 9'6" but what can ya do? If both stay at 9, each will have 9 one footed guides. Of course cutting off the butt might change that.

The other rod is going to be the GSB1201L. I was wavering back and forth between that and the Allstar but I found a blem so I went with that. This rod will have 9 double footed guides.

So including underwraps and a short chevron wrap, approximately how much thread do you think I would need?

How much epoxy?

How much cork tape will I need?

I'm talking aproximate amounts here. I just don't want to wind up with 60 feet of cork tape, a gallon of epoxy and enough thread to sew a quilt. Ya know?

I don't have much time right now but I'll throw in a few comments and get back to you. You need the following:

Epoxy - 4oz size of each part.
Color Preserver - 4oz (optional)
Cork Tape - 3 inches for every inch of length
Guides - FUGI ONLY - You don't need 9 for a 9' rod no matter what expert says you do. 6-7 is plenty, start with a 50 double foot then go to a 30 high frame single, 20, 16, 12, 10. I'll verify this tonight on some of my rods. All my spinning rods get the first double then singles treatment and I've never broken one in 15 years.
Thread - 600 yard spool of A for underwraps and a 300 yard spool for overwraps, 100 yards of size A metallic for tipping.

Why would you cut a GSB1081L? Just buy a 8' or 8'-6" blank. Cutting blanks are something you do after you have built a bunch of rods and are looking for very specific actions that aren't available in a standard blank. You could get an Arra 8' blank for close to the same cost as the 1081L and I can attest it's a great rod, throws small/medium eels and 1-1/2oz plugs beautifully.

Are we assuming this is a spinner? OK Do what Jeff Said.Only thing I would change is to start with a 40HH gathering guide rather than the lower but bigger fifty. I assume a light rod like this will be getting something like a 550SS or 650SS at the most for a reel to I would go with the 40HH. For a spinner , 6 guides would be what I'd use. I'd say 1-25 foot roll of corktape will do it if you are only using a single wrap.

I would build the rods full length.

I'll agree and disagree with Saltheart, respectfully of course. I build my 9' and longer rods with a double foot 50 and use a 40HH on 8' and 8-1/2' rods. I think the guide thing is overdone especially if your going to use braids as they don't have any coils flying off the reel. Why do I use a 50 you ask? Well, to me, it just looks better on the rod. That is the beauty of building your own, you do and get what you want.

I'm not going to recommend guides on a spinner but 7 should be more than enough. Do a deflection test and see what you truly need.

Also - zero reason to alter the blank for any reason. Besides if you want an 8 footer - it'll run 15 smackers cheaper than a nine anyway...

Okay, so I'm not the only one. 9 guides sounded a little crazy to me for a 9 footer. I'll take your guides instead. The reels for the 9 footer are going to be Shimano Stradic 4000s.

I'll build my 9 footer first and if it's too much for her to handle, I'll look at other blanks.

Pat,

While it's sweet that you're making your girlfriend a rod, don't you think an off-the-shelf rod would be better and more cost effective considering her beginner status? If she damages it or it gets lost to the sea it won't be such a heart ache. Later as she grows her skills you'll better see what kind of more custom rod is suited for her.

In the mean time you can also grow your rod building skills and experience so you can do an even better job when the time comes.

Just a thought.

Patrick try an off the shelf Diawa Sealine X for Mindi. I have a nine footer and it is super light and cast like a rocket. They will run about 55 smackers, I just got mine from Mike at M&d it is awsome for off the rack.

That Sealine is a good idea... and it's cheap...

I was thinking about an off the shelfer but she definitely deserves a custom rod plus it will give something to do. She is still learning but she's gonna get better. I think she'll do well with the rod plus I can put a little message for her.

Okay, how is this for the guide set up?

BHVLG40HH
BHVLG30H
BLVLG20
BLVLG16
BLVLG12
BLVLG10
PST10/7 for a tip.

Is that what you were getting at?

Patrick...Unless you can build it for less that 55 bucks, she doesn't deserve it. Sorry Mindi :) I thought money was at a premium these days, gotta think with your wallet.

You are always going to have to get extra guides, thread, etc. just to be able to tweak stuff. I have extra guides, reel seats and such just in case I want to change something once I have started laying it out. The initial investment costs the most, but is worth it is you will be wrapping for a while.

If you are getting your blems from mudhole, be careful, just cause they say they have it doesn't mean they do. I have been waiting 3 months for a blank that they assurred me they had. :(

Charlie

She's gonna be a great fisherwoman until she starts outfishing me. Then I'll lock her in the closet. :D I have nothing against off the shelf rods. I just want her to get a good set up. If she decides it's not for her, we can look at off the shelfs. I think she just wants something I made because of all the sweet stuff that goes along with it.

Guys, ya need some help in the romance department. Remember when you were little and you made a little card for mom or grandma or whoever? That kind of stuff goes a long way with the chicks. They don't care what it is. As long as it's home made. Women dig something that you took the time to do. How some of you hold onto women I will never know. :D Next time you're in the dog house or you're looking for some extracredit points, do something just because. Here is one of the best ones I've seen. Put some soap on your finger and write on the mirror some message. "I love you" works better then, "Your sister is hotter" When she goes to take a shower, the steam will cover everything but the message. It takes 5 minutes maybe and she will never forget it. Am I sappy? Sure. But it gets me some ummmm fishing time. :p

Youth, they have so much to learn...................!!!!!!

They don't care what it is. As long as it's home made. Women dig something that you took the time to do. How some of you hold onto women I will never know.


I have been with my hubby 8 years (two of which are marraige years) Hmmmm...yeah the cute stuff works for a while ........but then we want the good S@#T!!!!!! HA!HA!n and that "home made" stuff stops after the first year or two anyway.....:p :p Right guys???:o

you know Patrick (i AM being serious now) I wanted to get this rod that was like $300 and then I opted to put it back.....I ended up buying the $55 sealineX and I dont use any of the other rods anymore!!!! I dont want to say that Mindi doesnt "deserve" something......but that would be a more logical thing to do! It is wiser to let her learn how to cast, fish, take care of, etc......with something that isnt so special........

No offense at all to you Mindi......I think most would agree that its better to start off this way!

Patrick....once she learns and is comfortable...THEN make her that special rod!!!!!:(

I myself would be heartbroke IF I let my hubby buy me that rod (and he was all ready too BTW...guess I blew it huh ?? :rolleyes: ) and I broke it or something!

One of these days when I'm a pro :eek: maybe I will buy a better fancier rod.......but for now I dont think I would want it because I dont think I am ready for it......

My parents have been married for 30 years. They celebrated on September 25th. My dad still goes out of his way to make her happy. My mom likes to get those newstand magazines so my dad found out what store gets them first and he gets them. Or stuff like having the coffee and water in the machine so all he has to do is switch it on when he gets home. Now I'm not saying this is why their marriage has lasted so long but I'm sure it didn't hurt.

The guy wants to make something nice for his girlfriend. I understand that.

If he's carefull and takes his time and doesn't apply any finish til its just right , she'll end up with a nice rod and Patrick will have a warm and fuzzy about doing it.

I'm surprised I have to spell this out? Aren't there any romantics among us? :)

It's not that I am not romantic. I just thought that where he was still new to the rod building thing, and cash was tight, it would be the right thing. He has his heart and mind set on it, then good luck. When I got engaged to my wife I had a 1 3/4 carat diamond all picked out. One day she wanted to check out rings, not knowing I had already picked one out. The ring she picked was much smaller than the one I had secretly picked out. The reason she chose it was that it fit better. I guess what I am saying is It's not what it cost, or whats better. It's the thought thats all. Let her try picking up some different blanks and off the shelfs and see which one she likes better. No matter what she chooses it was your idea to get her a rod. You can always make her something later like dinner, or a picinic. These are just some opinions and ideas, take what you like, leave what you don't, no explanations nescesary.

Nice to be back on. I have been trying to post but I kept getting booted off. Thanks for the fix John.

Patrick.
If both of the rods are going to be the same colors I would go with
2-1oz. size D (450yds ea) spools of thread one color for the underwraps and one for the overwraps, this would be enough. use lighter color as underwraps.
If each rod has different colors
2-100yd spools of thread in each color for each rod. and if your going to use any metallic trim a 100yd spool of HT metallic thread
1 oz of Color preserver if needed.
1-8oz kit of epoxy
as far as cork tape goes you should not need over 18'
make sure you get plenty of mixing cups and throw away brushes.
9 guides are way to many. The guides that you have chosen look fine.

I'd be perfectly happy with an off-the-shelf rod but it's so sweet that Patrick wants to make me one that I don't mind. Knowing that he wants to make me something special with his own hands is great!

Patrick is soooooo romantic. Don't let him fool ya...lol

(I love you honey!)

mindi

:D