Refurbishing Rods

[tincatinca]

A few weeks ago I had a good look at all my rods and found that quite a few could do with a bit of restoration work with some requireing a complete re build. I made a few enquiries regarding the costs involved which amounted to a considerable sum so I have decided to do them myself. I am not unfaniliar with building rods having done many in the past but none for quite some time so as an initial and fairly simple task task I stripped down and refurbished a couple of stalker butts belonging to my Harrison Ballistas to get a feel for what needed to be done. With the number of rods that required working on, what soon became very apparent was the need for a decent rod building stand preferably with a motorised drive for drying particularly when using a two part epoxy for doing the ring whippings, As a lot of my fishing is specimen based, a lot of my rods are of a 2 piece 12 foot construction and having searched the net both in th UK and the states, to purchase a decent set up would be quite expensive so I have decided to make my own.

 

Having spent several days in the shed on the lathe and miller, I have managed to construct a base along with sliding supports and a sliding table to mount a tensioned whipping roller. The heads for the rod supports have been roughed out and I am currently waiting for some roller bearings on which I will mount some wheels and assemble them into the heads.

 

It is very much a work in progress and once the rod supports have been sorted, the next step will be to sort out a moveable stand for the motor along with the electrics and possibly a third rod stand

 

Below is a picture of work completed to date plus the stalker butts

 

 

Now a few questions to the rod builders in the forum. As Gudebrod whipping is no longer available what is currently good to use (black) which does not require doping and also what varnishes/coatings are good to use on carbon rods

 

For the ring whipping, what is a good 2 part epoxy to use.

 

 

 

[Phone]

tinca,

 

The biggest component supplier I know is the Mud Hole. Maybe in England also?

 

Phone

[Sportsman]

Mudhole is an excellent supplier and these two products are the ones that I use.

The thread is as near to Guderbrod as makes no difference. Don't be tempted to use Fishhawk, horrible fuzzy stuff

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/ProKote

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/ProWrap-Nylon

The only problem with Mudhole is their stupid delivery charge. Newt was kind enough to take delivery for me and then forward it.

[Matthew Simmons]

Mudhole is the supplier I have used. Didn't know Gudebrod had gone TU, but I used Flexcoat for really professional glass-like whippings. A tip, make it then pour it into a piece of tinfoil and hold that in your hand. The warmth will keep it fluid longer and it will go on better. The hold a flame 4inches from each whipping while rotating the blank and you'll get a really smooth finish.

 

M

[tincatinca]

Thanks for replies

 

I have just been in touch with this company and have ordered a couple of spools of Pacific Bay C grade Nylon and a bottle of Bullard CP extra To try

 

http://www.rodringsandthings.co.uk/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=catshow&ref=WHIPTHREAD

 

http://www.rodringsandthings.co.uk/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=catshow&ref=RodVarnish

 

This link may also be useful to others

 

http://addictionanglinginfo.forum-motion.com/t284-rod-builders-list-components-suppliers-list-for-resource

 

Now to make a spool holder and tensioner

[chesters1]

When i used to whip my rods i used nothing more than a barbecue motor ,slow enough to get it right first time and no controls or pedals needed ,the far end of the rod just rested on a rod rest on a rod pod.

Never used two parts so no experience of that finish my rods used good old fashioned coats of varnish

[tincatinca]

Thanks Chesters 1, I had not considered a barbecue motor so will look into it. I have now managed to do a bit more but have been put back as the bearings I ordered for the heads have failed to turn up so I can't make the wheels yet. Sorted out the whipping thread spool holders and tensioners so that bit is now out of the way. When you are using 2 part epoxy, ideally you need to keep the rod rotating to prevent any build ups and runs and also depependent on which version of epoxy you use, it can take take a long time before you can leave them on their own. In the past I have spent a few sleepless nights constantly turning rods mounted between Vees cut out in cardboard boxes. Just as a matter of interest, the Pacific Bay whipping thread at first glance appears to be good. I did manage to find some black Gudebrod and also some black Talbot thread when I was rummaging around in the garage which will come in handy.

 

 

[Rusty]

Thanks Chesters 1, I had not considered a barbecue motor so will look into it.

 

Old microwave motors work well too.

[chavender]

Hopkins and Holloway's http://www.guidesnblanks.com/ is one of the best suppliers in the uk .they'll have everything you'll need

 

 

when I built my rod turner/wrapper I used a 5rpm microwave motor easy to wire up as its 240 volt.

[tincatinca]

Thanks for the comments on the motors. I have had a look at microwave motors and also rotisserie drives but if possible, I am trying to keep away from 240 volts and utilise a 12v supply from my fishing powerpack. 15 and 30 rpm hi torque 12v motors are readily available for not a lot of money. Hopkins and Holloway are very good and I usually use them for obtaining fittings eg reel seats and and various trims if I dont make them myself. At the moment I am only looking to motorise for drying purposes and will stick to hand turning for whipping although that could change quite easily if I can sort out a variable speed set up with a foot switch.