Rod building questions.

[JeffH]

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.