So exactly how tough is it to learn and what are the real life $ savings
Patbrennan:
Going "do it your self" with the exact same components used for factory builds, one saves about 30 to 35%. I.e. a $1000 rod will run about $650-$700. That being said, the wraps, handles, hardware, etc are to your exact specifications and colors as opposed to coming off a shelf. With a bit of surfing, one can find ready to wind kits carrying the full array of components needed for a build. I've used Sage, Orvis, Meiser, Loomis, and Cabelas components, so some are high end ($1200) and others budget ($165) builds.
As to learning: A bit of supervision is helpful on an initial build. There are a few tricks to the trade one should learn (like orienting the spine) and some equipment like rod turners needed to do a professional job on the handles, windings, and epoxy applications. If one is blessed with a good shop nearby, many conduct build classes, with perhaps 1 night a week gatherings where one can be coached a bit, share stories with others, and have access to the basic equipment and knowledge. With 3 to 5 evenings, one could have a rod done.
I'd suggest one initially do a budget package and then subsequently step up to high end gear if he is serious. I got into stock making way back and decided I'd rather screw up a $50 board as opposed to a $700 piece of exhibition walnut on my first run.
Another plus to doing a couple builds is one can often effectively repair his equipment should sh-t hit the fan on some outing. I.e. replace tip tops, broken or bent guides, and repair grips etc.
Basic equipment is an adjustable length rack to hold one's rod section, also supporting some system for holding a spool of thread under tension, and an old rotisserie motor to rotate sections for a consistent application of epoxy over one's windings. About everything needed is depicted in Solitario's images above and it looks like good professional gear.
My first effort (a Sage 9 ft 5wt trout rod) is a little crude looking, but it still brings me pleasure knowing is came from my efforts back in about 1980. My collection goes from 7 ft 2 wts up to 16 ft 10 wt Spey rods. I think I'm short of owning a 3 wt though.
I actually don't even know how many rods I own, but only 3 or 4 came from a catalog and were mostly purchased as loaners.
The good looking guy on the right with the spey rod.
![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/jS3Pr4cw/wrap.jpg)
We actually did catch some steelhead that day.