WOW!
A rod drying motor makes a big difference. I finally opted for a Pac Bay rod drying motor and stand from Cabela's. The rod is a 5'5"-3 weight cane. New grip, new reel seat and new guides. Wrapped in red Gudebrod thread and finished with one part Gudebrod rod finish. I've built a few rods before without a rod dryer and always seem to get some lumps. Not this time though. The rod finish has turned the red thread a deep ruby color and it looks great on a blond rod. I've got a few pictures and as soon as I put comments to them I'll submit to Mike for approval and posting.
Later,
Lotech Joe

Who cares? Why dont u just go out and buy one!?

Come one man making your own rod is rewarding I hear. Let him do as he pleases...
I doubt you could make a rod..

who buys a rod drying blower? whats wrong with a blow dryer? bag making a rod. the only rod i make is stealin bamboo plants from my neibor mr. li's house and putting 3 feet of string on it and dangling it in a sewer drain for rats!

Wow. You really have a chip on your shoulder don't you...Pissed off at the world?

short lifespan

It's OK you guys. It's just SPAM. This guy isn't even registered with WL.com. I'd think it was funny if it wasn't so pathetic.
God Bless him,
Lotech Joe

Lotech takes the high road and adds ten years to his life-span, not to mention helping to make the world a better place to live in. Thanks, buddy.

BTW, Lotech has written a very nice article on rod building which I will be posting in the near future.

I've never seen an unregistered post before, didn't even know that was allowed.

I think he meant he's never seen Kirill post on Washingtonlakes...

Today is Katie's birthday and tonight she got the rod and reel. I have pics, but can't remember how to post them to the bulletin board.
Happy Birthday Katie,

Lotech, I think that is cool you make rods. Any way you can post a pic and how long is the drying time.

And Krill, get a life or better yet, be like a tree and leave.

Drying time is only about 1 hour or so. I usually go watch TV or take a nap. That drying time is with Gudebrod's 1 part rod finish. I don't know how long it would take with Flex Coat?
As far as the length of the rod, it is a 2 piece fly rod in a banty weight (5'5".) I let the owner of a local fly shop cast it and he said it was a "hoot" to cast. Short fly rods are becoming more and more popular. Especially in areas with heavy growth along stream banks and otherwise tight quarters. Pictures will be posted with the article when it comes out.
Thanks for your questions and kind remarks.
Lotech Joe

Not a really great picture, but here is the total package.
Lotech Joe

i like it! has a really classy look to it.

Chum Man,
Thank you for the kind words. My next project is going to be a 7'6" 4 weight 4 piece with a swollen butt sliding band reel seat.

Lotech Joe

Lotech Joe's article has been posted in the Tacklebox Tales section of WL.com. Check it out, lots of great pictures.

Thanks Lotech for sharing your story with us.

Thanks Mike,
It's gratifying to see myself published in these pages. I hope the article encourages someone to build their own fishing rod. It really isn't that hard. And there is nothing like the feeling you get when you catch a fish on a rod you built and a fly you tied.
Bessings,
Lotech Joe

Lotech Joe,
How many hours did it take to make the rod?
I'm considering making a rod for surf fishing that would fit in my checked gear bag when I fly.

ChuckE,
When I get involved with building a rod I get really wrapped up in it. I'm the same way with jig-saw puzzles. For some reason the focus I put into it is addicting. I can build a rod from pieces to product in one day. The wife gets a little perturbed with me for not being a contributing member of the family during this time but that's the way I am. I'm lucky to have a wife that puts up with me. She's a blessing.
God Bless,
Lotech Joe

Thanks, Joe! Sorry about the late response.