01 Introducing the RodKit – Tools and Materials
Each RodKit will contain all the components you need to build a fishing rod. Each kit should contain the following components:
Kit Components:
Rod blank
This is the main structural element of the fishing rod, made from T24 Carbon
Butt Cap
Sits on the butt of the rod protecting the carbon blank from damage.
EVA grips x2
Foam tubes that become the handles / grips for the fishing rod
Reel Seat
Sits between the fore and rear grip and acts as a seat for attaching a reel to the fishing rod
Rod Guides
#25, #16, #12, #10, and #8 x 2 – The rod guides carry or guide the fishing line. Double coated black stainless steel with titanium oxide shock rings.
Rod Tip
Acts as a guide for the tip of the rod – tip can also be wrapped like a guide.
Thread
Used for wrapping the rod guides to the blank.
Tools Required:
Butane Burner or high heat source
For melting the thermal glue
Rod Stands
Holds the Rod Blank during construction
Bobbin Holder
Holds the thread bobbin and creates tension in the thread.
Thread Scissors or sharp blade
For cutting thread during wrapping.
Burnishing Tool
For tightening and finishing the wraps.
Dryer + Dryer Stands
Rotisserie for drying the guide coating.
Alcohol Burner
Removes epoxy bubbles.
File or Grinder
Filing down guides prior to wrapping
Material Components Required:
Arbor Tape
Used for creating arbors, marking the rod and in wrapping the guides.
Chinagraph Pencil
Non-permanent pencil used for marking the rod blank. Easy to see and easy to clean.
Epoxy Kit
For fixing the handle assembly and coating the wraps. Includes 2 part epoxy and fumed silica
Methylated Spirits
For cleaning Epoxy
Sand Paper
For scoring blank prior to installing handle
Mixing Cups
Mixing epoxy
Mixing Sticks
Mixing and applying epoxy
Measuring Syringe x 2
For measuring epoxy parts
Sable Brush
For applying clear coat epoxy to guide wraps.
Thermal Glue
For gluing the rod tip
Metallic or coloured wrapping thread
For creating unique or advanced wraps
Cleaning Rags
For cleaning epoxy
Optional Tools that make Rod Build a breeze:
Spine Finder
An easy to use tool used for finding the spine of a blank with 100% accuracy.
Electric Epoxy Mixer
For mixing epoxy perfectly without bubbles
Guide Holder
A fantastic tool for holding the guides while wrapping
Permanent Market or Indelible Ink Pen
Creating permanent writing or markings on the rod
Braid Pull Through
Loop for tying off tag end of each wrap