Rod Building Class

[Jason]

I would like to know if anyone would be interested in taking a fly rod building class? I'm in the process of putting something together for a class starting in the near future and would like to get a quick census of how many people would be interested. This will be a class for people that know little or nothing about building a fly rod on your own. Basically a Rod Building 101 class.

We'll cover:
-Tools
-Handles and seats
-Spline and measuring guide spaces
-Winding wraps without motors
-Wrap coatings

It will cover all the basics of building your own rod and how to do it right.

[walksinwater]

I would be courious.

Would this be offered during a weekend?

[Fred]

I might be interested in taking a rod-building class. It would depend largely on the cost.

[jdubya]

I took a rod building class at Western Rivers many moons ago. I have built the four rods I fish with and have certainly enjoyed the process. It is kinda like catching fish with flies you have tied instead of store bought.

For anyone who wants to build their own, take the class: reading a book isn't the same thing.....

[MrMom]

I would be very interested in this. I've been looking at getting myself some rod building equipment and a blank for my birthday this year. I have read some articles on rod building and it doesn't look like rocket science, but it does seem like something I would need to see and have explained first hand to do well.

[Jason]

Right now I'm just trying to get a feel for how many people are interested, etc. As of yet, we don't have a set day or time for the class, but we do have an instructor. The day and time will largely depend on the instructor. We're thinking the first of February would be a good time to start it.

Question: Which format would you rather participate in? Would you like to have a class where you would watch the instructor build a rod step by step, having the opportunity to take notes, etc, or would you rather build a rod during the class?

I for one have never built a rod before, so I think I would prefer to watch the process in person, maybe have the chance to do a few things, and then go build a rod on my own. What do you all think?

If you'd like to particpate, please let me know. Send me an email if you'd like more details.

[Jeff Brooks]

Jason,

I'm in favor of watching a pro build a rod before I attempt my own. Maybe we could take really good notes (or invite the rod building person to write a detailed "how to do it" report) and post it in the upcoming "Rod Building" section of the ROC.

Jeff

[HWG]

I have built quite a few rods and I can tell you the best way to learn is to have the instructor build a rod at the same time you are building yours. In other words, let him show you how to do it then you try it while he is there to answer any questions. I have shown a few guys how to wrap and when they tried it at home on there own they had all sorts of problems. There is nothing hard about it once you get the hang of it, it's just getting the hang of it first. I would really recommend he show you how to put the flex-coat on and any little tricks he may have, you won't be able to do this in class because the rod has to be turning. Good luck,
HWG

[jdubya]

Jason, would you want to do a fly tying class where you watched Pete do a no hackle wing, and then go home and try to copy it all by yourself? Same is true for rod building. Have the instructor show how to do each step, then the members of the class follow.

That does mean you have to have mutiple classes: one for putting the handle and tip-top on on, one for setting down and wraping the guides. You can and should do the epoxy at home, and that can be shown by the instructor. I would contact Cary and check with the plan that Stonefly follows in their class.....

[Cary]

I agree on the hands on approach. I've taught the RB classes at Stonefly for the past five years, and I've found that demo, followed by hands on participation, works great. I demo a technique, then have the class work on their rods. This format allows those that need a bit more coaching to get it. As well, those that pick it up quickly can help the others that dont. It also helps to have a few experienced peple in the class.

We conduct the class on two consecutive Saturdays, going all day with a club-sponsored lunch.

By the end of the last session, the attendees should have the rods completely wrapped, grips installed. installation of reel seat and finnishing is done at home. We do spend some time demo'ing and practicing finnishing technique in the calss, though.

[MrMom]

I would by far prefer building a rod along with the instructor. This hands on technique is really the best way to learn a new skill. You may want to have the option of just taking notes or assisting on a collective class rod for those who don't want to shell out the bucks to by a blank and components before taking the class.

[HWG]

I just heard that rainshadow is having a sell on some of his forecast blanks. The cost is around $25.00 for a 9' 4wt. 4pc. You can get them from Mudhole tackle (mudhole.com) I have built on these rods are they are really good quality graphite blanks. But for that price you can throw it away when you're done if you don't like it. You can buy good components, not great components but will work for your first rod(cork grip, reel seat and wood insert)on the VFS rodbuilding auction. The guy who sells them e-mail is JR3finger@hotmail.com he may sell you some for a good price if you tell him it is for a class.

HWG

[Cor]

I taught myself how to build a fly rod with books and asking some questions. To be honest, it's easier that tying some dry fly's. I'd be interested just to see if I'm doing it right. I'm with the crowd to build it with the instructor.