PeteM
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First rod build
I have begun my first rod build. It is a Pacific Bay 9' 5wt. from a kit. The anticipation of lining it and giving it a nice heave-ho is killing me. I'm also realy looking forward to taking it camping at Ohiopyle this weekend. It is now in the dryer, but I took a couple of pics of the process. So far it has been a lot of fun and not nearly as difficult as I thought. A couple of friends have given me some tips and got me pointed in the right direction. My buddy Ron even loaned me his dryer. 
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PeteM
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/28 11:05:32
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A little bling on the first stripping guide. I'm glad I took some pics of the process. The flash lit up some spots where I needed to tighten up the wraps. 
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PeteM
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/28 11:09:08
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The whole thing before applying the epoxy-  And for the next 22 hours and counting, I'm going to be on pins and needles.
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formerguide
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/28 16:44:51
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Looks great- remember, even if your first rod doesn't come out "perfect" it will still give you plenty of enjoyment, plus, it will be your own... Looks nice too- good luck!
PS- For super smooth varnish wraps, use an alcohol burner to level off the varnish.
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Trout About
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/28 16:56:17
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It's too late to tell you to stop, so.......welcome to the addiction. You may want to work on guide prep a bit for your next build. File the top of the foot for a smooth transition from the blank up the guide foot.
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PeteM
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/28 19:23:35
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Thanks guys.
The epoxy is set up hard now. I can see that I didn't do the end fuzzies well enough and the wraps have nipples. Now that it is in the end stage, I'm looking back and thinking of a few things I would have done differently.
I guess that those will be some of the nicer touches for the next one. No fish eyes have appeared in the epoxy yet, and there appears to be good adhesion to the guide feet.
Any suggestions on the drying time? I'm realy anxious to line it and give it a zing, but not at the expense of the build.
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Trout About
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/28 21:05:50
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fuzzies are an easy fix. just shave them with a razor blade, scuff the wrap with grey scotchbrite or 600 grit sandpaper and re-coat. as for cure time, it depends on the brand of epoxy and the room temp. I like to give 3 days minimum before fishing. I have used a rod 24 hours after coating, with no problems. Threadmaster finish and an 80* room made for some fast cure.
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go-n-fishn
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/29 08:36:48
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Looks great, you will enjoy it for a life time. I still have the first one I made 40 years ago and still remember the first fish I caught with it . A 10 " brown on Cross Fork Creek. A trip I'll always remember. Don't use it anymore but still take it out and look at it once and awhile. Enjoy it and take special care of it.
There will be days when fishing is better than ones optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home. **Roderick Haig-Brown
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PeteM
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RE: First rod build
2008/05/29 10:36:36
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 Ahhh! Just lined it and put a few casts through the back yard. It took a few swings to get the rythm and the flex down but it feels good in the hand, has a sweet spot through the whole casting arc, and a nice crisp flex. And nothing went flying except the line. That was my worst fear. I'm going to use that technique for fixing the fuzzies next week. There are a couple of tiny bubbles that I'll need to pop too. I'll have to borrow an alcohol torch from a buddy of mine. For the next couple of days it'll be playtime.
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71gto
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RE: First rod build
2008/06/01 18:18:01
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Pete,
Very nice job! When the river comes down, you got to bring on down.
71
Gort! Klaatu barada nikto!
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PeteM
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RE: First rod build
2008/06/01 21:28:41
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Thanks '71. I'm looking forward to another trip into your neck of the woods. I've been fumbling around with some tungsten barbell headed wooley buggers just for some of the deeper holes and faster currents around there.
I spent a little while on the Yough at Ohiopyle this weekend, but it was raging sat. afternoon.
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Loomis
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RE: First rod build
2008/06/02 07:50:11
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"I still have the first one I made 40 years ago and still remember the first fish I caught with it . A 10 " brown on Cross Fork Creek. A trip I'll always remember"
-thats what rod bulding should be about right there. What a satisfying read.
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