new BFT rod lables

[utwalleye]

[black]Hey guys, thought you might like to see the new BFT rod lables on a custom built rod. I posted pics on the rodbuilbing board but I thought I would post one here also. later chuck[/black]
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[CROSSINEYES]

sweet... is that one of your old rods. think i recognize the wrap???
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[Hawkez]

Several months ago there was some talk about a rod building class. I hope that we can still get a group togther to learn some of the tricks.
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[Majja]

I would be down for that
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[utwalleye]

[black]yea, we talked about getting one together but thats about as far as it went, kinda just fizzzed out. maybe we can try it again. Hey TubeDude, if you read this, are you up for it ??[/black]
later chuck
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Sure. Sometime in January would probably be good. Since you are the one with the hinkiest personal schedule, why don't you pick a date and time and the rest of us will work around it?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I was thinking that for the first class you and I could bring some finished rods to show, and some of the basic rod components. Then, we could do a quick step by step to show how the handles are put together and maybe a quick simple wrap on a couple of guides.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Anybody who decides they want to build a rod can have us help them order the components. Then we will probably need a couple or three followup sessions to complete the preparation, assembly, wrapping and finishing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been working on a "writeup" on basic rod building. I can have that finished for everyone by the time we schedule a get together.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Now don't bother me. I have 4 new ice rod blanks to work on.[/#0000ff]
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[Nica]

Can you guys give me an idea as to how much a guy might spend on building a rod, I imagine it's probably not cheaper than to buy one that is already made, still interested though.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Just like tying flies and making lures, doing it yourself at rodmaking is more about just making something yourself than it is about saving money. It allows you to choose the exact length and action of the rod you want, and then to fit it with the type of handle and guides you like best. Then, you can be sure that the guide spacing is exactly what you want...not what some "offshore" mass production rod making company thinks you want. Of course, once you get into it, and develop the talent, you can also decorate your rods with the fancy wrapping jobs.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good rod blanks are not cheap. Even the "low end" blanks from Cabelas, Janss or Mudhole will cost at least $20 or more. Then, the handle parts and guides can run at least that much more...even for the "price" lines. Now, you add in the time, the thread and the adhesives and clear coat and you will have more into your rod than if you bought one off the rack at Wally World, Sportsmans, etc. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Every time I go to Cabelas, I look at their rod specials and closeouts and shake my head. They sell some pretty good rods sometimes for less than I would pay for a blank to make the same rod. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Nope. It's definitely not about saving money...even though you can do so sometimes. For any kind of "decent" spinning rod I would guess you will have to spend close to $40 for the basic parts. That does not include wrapping tools, rod turning/drying motor or any of the refinements.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you want to build a flyrod, the prices for blanks are usually quite a bit more than for spinning or baitcasting.[/#0000ff]
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[Nica]

Thanks TD, I build my own computers and I don't do it to save money, although a lot of times I can. I do it because I know exactly what I like and don't like compromising on components. I imagine rod building is similar. I am definitely interested in at least attending the classes once you all set up times.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Anybody will be welcome. There will not be any requirements that someone HAS to participate or build a rod. If nothing else, you will learn more about the components of rod building and have a better understanding of what it takes to make a good (or bad) rod.[/#0000ff]
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[Hawkez]

This class would be great. I have a blank tht I have promissed to my wife, of course I made that promiss over five yers ago. Rod building would help spend all that excess money that I have each month. HAHA[] If it is possible to get a tentative date so that those interested could start to adjust their schedules, that would be very appreciated.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I know that I am not available the second Tuesday of January, but Utwalleye is only available on Mondays and Tuesdays. Let's let him check his schedule and pick which day works best for him.[/#0000ff]
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[utwalleye]

Ok guys, how about Jan. 23 Tuesday. I'll let you guys work out the time, I'm open all day. one more thing, where will this take place at ?? Pat, do you have any place in mind, or know where we could do this ?? later chuck
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[Majja]

would be good with that if it is in the late afternoon or evening. Although i can not contribute on the rod building, i can bring some good munchies.

Matt
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[CROSSINEYES]

I GUESS IM IN. ITS ABOUT TIME I LERN A LITLE ABOUT FIXING MY OWN OR BUILDING ONE. BUT WHEN YOUR BEST FREIND IS UTWALLEYE WHY DO ONE MYSELF? HIS ARE THE BOMB. LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT ME TO BRING SOME YOU WRAPPED FOR ME FOR EXAMPLES. LIKE THE OLD GARCIAS FROM THE 70,S YOU RERAPPED OR THE SAGE FLY ROD CONVERTED TO WORLD BEST ICE ROD.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]If we need a lot of room, we can do it at my place. I have a heated 3 car garage with lots of overhead fluorescents and lots of outlets. Also have a couple of big folding tables. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]6:30 is usually a good time to start. That gives most folks a chance to get home and eat, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Once we firm it up we will do a separate post and I will PM address and directions to all who want to attend.[/#0000ff]
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[Hawkez]

Thanks, that date and time would work for me. Let us know if there are any costs that we could help cover, or any way that we could help contribute to the class.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]We have had quite a few get-togethers in the past...for jig making, tubing, catfishin', walleye chasin', etc. Our sessions are usually done with a budget in mind...no money asked or spent. No charge for the class, but no free buffet either.

Utwalleye and myself will have all the materials necessary for the show and tell of the first session. You just bring your own bad selves and any "light" refreshments you might need. Of course, if someone wants to bring something to share, that's okay too. We have had some good "salsa sessions" in the past. Heck, if I can get into a mess of perch between now and then I might even whup up a batch of fish chowder.

The purpose of the class is to demonstrate the components of a rod building system, and to show what you can do if you so desire. Then, if you decide that you DO want to make a rod, we can work with you to order what you need for the next session...where we will actually help everybody get started on building their own rods.

We will make the official announcement after New Years and start making a list of who is going to attend.

If we have it at my place, plan on being in Salt Lake, near the Redwood Road and 5400 South area (Near Taylorsville High). I will PM the address and directions to those who reserve a spot, and I will have a several page writeup for everyone to read in advance.


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