Anyone have any experience making fishing rods? Specifically for Bass/freshwater?

Yes.

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Yes.

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Please elaborate - where do you get your blanks and what equipment do you use?

I make my own reels. I buy the rods.

I have the PacBay power wrapper, but a power wrapper is not needed. My supplies (blanks and everything) come from FTU in Houston, or Swampland tackle via the internet. If it's your first build I would go to FTU and have someone walk you through selecting everything you will need. As far as blanks, I'm a big fan of the Batson line of blanks because it has the most value, IMO.

If you're a first timer, depending on where you live get the blanks & components from either Fishing Tackle Unlimited here in Houston or you can order from MudHole.com- they're based in Orlando and the biggest in the game in supplying blanks & components to rod builders.

Check out the various rod building forums out there.

I've only built one rod and it was a fly rod. My BiL used to be in the business of developing and selling components to custom rod builders or to Mudhole & FTU as well as making custom rods for a few clients or friends. He was especially known for developing some different epoxies (ThreadMaster), special rod grips (he co-developed the first carbon-fiber rod grips- see pic below), and a few other things.



The rod I built, with the blank, components, and craftsmanship would retail for $750. But he basically looked over my shoulder the whole way and walked me through step-by-step, gave me tips & tricks, and so on. It wasn't difficult as long as you're patient.

Anyway, my point being that if you're the least bit handy and have the time you can easily make your own rods. Unless you've got a master to assist though, I'd start with one of the kits you can get at FTU or MudHole.com.

Mudhole has the best selection and website, but they rape you on shipping costs.

You can buy blanks and components at brick and mortar stores like FTU or online at places like Mudhole or Swampland. It's a lot of fun, but be prepared for your first build to be a functional but ugly rod. Your next build will be less ugly, and so on. You also probably won't save any money doing this, but you'll enjoy the process and will eventually be able to make things better (or at least more to your liking) than factory rods. It's kind of like reloading.

Supplies for build:

-Blank...for bass fishing, an MHX 843 is a great all around blank for a first build
-Guides (and tip top), read tutorials on rodbuilding.org about sizing and spacing guides.
-Thread in color(s) of your choice
-Grips in cork or EVA. Go with a split grip for sure.
-Reel seat
-Rod builders glue
-2-part thread epoxy
-Tip-top hot melt glue
-Winding checks. You can make epoxy ramps to finish off the grip ends instead, but that might be better for a later build.

Equipment you'll need:

-Reamer (for cork or EVA grips)
-Xacto knife or razor blade for cutting thread
-Isopropyl or denatured alcohol for cleanup
-Some sort of tensioning device for wrapping thread. For a first build just get a hand wrapper. If you like building, you'll eventually get a power wrapper.
-Rod drying motor. If you're patient and want to go cheap, you can just use a cardboard box with two V's cut into the side, and turn it yourself every minute for a few hours.
-Lighter for burning off thread fuzzies and heating up and releasing bubbles from your thread finish. Lots of people like alcohol burners for this. I've also used a heat gun with success. For a first build, a butane lighter will work fine.

I may have missed something. Troutslime has way more experience than me and is a better rod builder, so listen to him if he chimes in.

I have built many upon many over a lot of years.

Anyone is skilled enough to do it. What you have to have is patience. If you do something like a diamond wrap on the butt and you think you could do better....take your single edge and remove it. Do it again and again until you like it.

The thinner the thread the better the finished product will look.

It's cheap but well worth it to buy and use a burnishing tool on every wrap.

I use color preserver on every thread....even on those that don't need it. I prefer Flex Coat Hi Build for a finish.

I use a piece of foil to mix the epoxy to avoid bubbles. Mix it well.

I wrap over a loop of monofilament to finish a wrap. It's stronger and I can make a longer wrap over it. I start to pull it under and then use my single edge. Once you get the hang of it you will never need the alcohol burner.

Learn how to determine the spline of the rod and use the results.