Remembering my first rod build

This is a post I wrote on a forum about the experience building my first rod.

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After much research, i decided to go for it and ordered a MHX 3wt 7'6" kit. Decided on the kit because it came with all parts and i knew they would fit with each other. Also ordered a beginner supply kit that came with some tools and epoxy.

While waiting for the kit looked into rod building stations. Can't believe they want $75 for one. Luckily for me my old man has a wood shop in his basement. So i headed over there and spent an evening building one with him. While talking with him he also gave me a rat tail file that use to belong to my grandfather (pretty cool imo)


So after a couple days the kit showed up and i got right to work. Fiting the reel seat and handle to the blank. After it all fit epoxied the reel seat.



After a couple hours epoxied the handle on.



Once that cured it was time to space out the guides. The kit came with a spacing chart so you just have to measure and tape them on.



Now comes the difficult part (for me atleast) of wrapping the guides. After talking with people they all said "take your time and be patient". I can't agree with them more. It took me a while to get the hang of it but finally got the guides on.



Now it was time to test the guide spacing. I placed a reel on the rod and strung the line through the guides. Pulling the line gently it bent the rod and could see that no adjustment was needed.

After that it was time for decorative wraps. Now once again i recommend taking your time and getting them right. I had almost all the guide wraps unravel while trying to get the decorative ones on it got me pretty frustrated. But i stuck with it and got it done.



Now once again i could not see spending $80 on a rod turner. So i went to Lowes and picked up a grill rotisserie some pvc and a couple thumb bolts. Built a home made one for around $25.



So with the rod turner. I put on two coats of color preservator. I must say, my next rod will get another coat.



Now comes the part that scared me the most. Epoxing the wraps. After much more research i went for it and must say it was easier then i thought. After doing it, it definately build my confidence up.



So now it has cured and i am pretty happy with it. There are some default in it but i was expecting that for my first rod.
My mistake came with applying the color preservator. Didn't realize it didn't put enough on and in some spots it dried with bubbles.
But it was a good experience and i can't wait to get it on the water.





Well i ordered a Redington Rise reel for the new rod and it came. Finally got to get the rod out on the water. I have to say the MHX blank is very nice and casts very well. Will definately use them again. Was out on the Lil Lehigh and got this guy on the new rod. It was an awesome feeling landing a fish with a rod i built and a fly i made.