rod building on the cheap.

I'm looking into getting into rod building. I've done a bit of research here, and other places online. I think I may build my own rod wrapper out of plywood and felt tape. Anybody have any suggestions on a thread tensioner other than a phonebook? Other than the epoxy and thread and whatnot, my other big expense would be the rod dryer. I'm thinking of maybe making a jig to hold my electric drill and just using a zip tie to turn it on a low speed.Is the thread epoxy thick enough that I can just leave it in the wrapper and give it a quarter turn every few minutes? Or would that be asking for trouble? Or am I just being cheap and I should spend the $160 on a starter kit with a real dryer and wrapper. Any input would be great, I know there's some real quality builders on here. Can't wait to hear back.

I built several rods using a notched cardboard wader box.  I no use a classy home-made jig which cost about $15 from stuff from Lowe's.  
 
I've tried a few home made spring or friction tensioners, but none seem to work as good as a thick book (at least so far).
 
When the threads are drying, turn the rod 180 degrees every fifteen minutes for a few hours, and you'll be fine.
 
IMHO - don't spend a fortune on your first build.  Consider an affordable kit, because even if it looks great, you'll be thinking about how to make your next build better.  

I see ur in Westmoreland county.  If you need some stuff I live near Murrysville, I have a hand wrapper you can borrow, too as long as you bring it back.

FishinGuy

Thanks for the offer loomis, I may just take you up on that, though probably closer to Xmas time. I drive through murrysville/export on my way to work every day. I'd like to get a hands on look at one to build my own from.

 
Well if you know export you are in business.   Stop over any night of the week, I can certainly start you in the right direction.

I only started building my own rods a few years ago and am really enjoying the rewards. As far as building your first rod however, I agree with schmoe with purchasing a kit and build it first then work up from there. I bought a kit from the Bay from a guy named Roger, you can easily find him when looking for kits or blanks. After the first cheapie build, I now pick and choose the components that I want and put it all together for a true custom. I learned more from that first build than from any video I ever watched. 

Found this nice looking, easy to make thread tensioner poking around some other forums. http://www.rodbuildingfor...ex.php?showtopic=30247

Thanks for the insight. I was planning on stripping a couple down to make reamers anyway. Maybe ill just wrap them a few times and maybe attempt to remove and modify a reel seat while I'm at it for practice.