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Post by Windknot on Nov 23, 2004 13:12:41 GMT -5
Looks like I get to start things up.
Anyway, I'm looking for reasonably priced blanks and fittings to build a rod or two- I don't want to spend a fortune in case the thing ends up looking like a James Jardine.
Also not trying to save money- not with rods available in the £25-30 class.
Are the Pac. Bay blanks any good? Might be worth getting a whole bunch and save on shipping?
Ideas? Suggestions?
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Post by ScottRods on Nov 23, 2004 14:36:16 GMT -5
OK. Here goes the start of a definitive list. 1. Always try ebay. There are some good bargains to be had. 2. PacBay components are quite good but why buy direct? See 3. 3. Try Hook and Hackle - www.hookhackle.com they are in the USA but are absolutely fantastic for service and price. If you register with them for the monthly email there are close out sales and 20-60% of bargains. On top of that the email has a link to the website which gives you at least 20% off all normal items not in the sale. They are dealers for Loomis, St Croix, Pac Bay and their own branded rods are built by PacBay anyway. They also sell Struble and PacBay seats, Flexcoat products. 4. Schoff Tackle www.Schofftackle.com- Another reasonable USA dealer. Sage and St Croix dealer. Good price on blanks and willing to deal on postage costs. 5. Locally try Lathkill www.lathkill.co.uk. Or ring them (number on website). Loomis, Sage and Harrison dealers, also supply Flexcoat stuff, Pacbay and struble seats. Very reasonable and good service. Usually next day postage. 6. Hopkins and Holloway. www.hopkinsandholloway.co.uk - Local for Fuji, HH and Seymo guides, cork, seats and glues etc. Can now buy online. 7. New starter in the market www.rodbuilder.co.uk. Low stocks at the moment but trying to drum up business - so far willing customer service. 8. A must forum for those trying to learn www.rodbuilding.org - A USA forum. Great tips, loads of building parts and equipment sponsors. 9. www.decalconnection.com - USA company - makes the decals for rods. You can design it on paper and send it to them, or draw it on PC (MSworks, JPG etc they can handle it). Christian firm - very honest, reliable and great service. 10. Finally. Check out www.fishingphotos.net - Anyone who is anyone (including Mick Bell) has posted rod building photos on there. See how the professional hobbists and the nutters build their rods. Thankfully no Jardines on there yet. phew. Inhale.. |
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Post by Windknot on Nov 24, 2004 1:00:58 GMT -5
Many thanks- if I don't come right with that I might as well give up.
Jakes
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PeteH
Full Member
Posts: 164
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Post by PeteH on Nov 24, 2004 7:55:03 GMT -5
I'd add a couple of others to those component suppliers recommended by Jonathan. Anglers Workshop are good to deal with and carry a good selection of blanks etc, particularly Struble fittings. websites a bit of a pain to wade through. The other one is Goldenwitch, particularly if you're into building/making cane rods. They are very customer focussed and are extremely helpful . The Goldenwitch catalogue is something to drool over.
Pete
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Post by Susquehanna on Nov 25, 2004 4:19:53 GMT -5
The other one is Goldenwitch, particularly if you're into building/making cane rods. They are very customer focussed and are extremely helpful . The Goldenwitch catalogue is something to drool over. These good folks are only a half an hours drive from me and what a wonderland of cane it is. Have a look at www.goldenwitch.com for a treat. A good supplier that I use in the US is Jann's Netcraft. They are not limited to fly tackle, but they have good lower end rod building supplies for the budget minded (I've two boys with college on the horizon), and they have always provided excellent service to me. www.jannsnetcraft.com |
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Post by bloke on Nov 26, 2004 6:12:53 GMT -5
I have loads of rod building components in stock including Blanks, reel seats, cork grips, varnish , thread etc etc....let me know what you want and I will quote you a price.
I can also make custom labels for a very modest cost
Mick
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Post by ScottRods on Nov 26, 2004 12:51:20 GMT -5
Mick, The reel seat you supplied is in the photo's. Everyone - Mick is pretty reasonable. You should try to give him a go, even if we don't see eye to eye on finish.  |
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Robin
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by Robin on Dec 5, 2004 19:43:26 GMT -5
What don't you see eye to eye on then?
Surely one of you cannot be an epoxygooper?
robin
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Robin
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by Robin on Dec 5, 2004 20:00:19 GMT -5
Your first problem is blank selection,and its one hell of a problem.
Its not easy even when you know what you want,let alone when you might be uncertain.
try and handle the blanks made up.if you don't you will end up with a lot of rods you never use and one you use for everything.
Even then you will still use one rod most of the time,my poor Ultralite is looking well shagged after a couple of years use.
Not all Loomis or Sage blanks are good,many are very ordinary indeed.Most American companies make adequate rods up to 9',but above that things go rapidly
to the dogs.So far I have not handled a T&T,Loomis or Sage ten footer I like,although I may not have handled them all.
In the USA St Croix seem to have a good name for affordable quality.
At the prices in their catalogue,and bearing in mind their integrity you could do worse than order them from Goldenwitch in the USA,but speak first!
Or chat to Lathkill in ,I think,somewhere like Leeds.
There is nowhere like Leeds.
R
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