anybody ever build their own rods?

Check out jansnetcraft. Here is the link . http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/rod-building/?ref=X41027 They have all the accessories you would need to build any rod. Also they have really good prices. I have not built one yet but i am getting really close to doing it. If you havee any questions on how to do it check out youtube. There is some great videos on how to build one.

Yup.  Been building rods all winter.  You end up spending about as much, but you get exaclty what you want.  Picking components is a headache. So many choices.  Check out www.mudhole.com also.

in just taking a quick gander at that mudhole.com website, they said that as of jan 1, G loomis will no longer sell blanks to custom builders. is there a blank that you recommend? i thought about st croix

There MHX blanks were built to mimic a Gloomis IMX.  As far as I can tell, they hit it right on the spot.  Lamiglass ias also another exelent blank.  Lamiglass is run by Gary Loomis's cousin or nephew. I can't remember wich.

gillgetter. Said:
There MHX blanks were built to mimic a Gloomis IMX.  As far as I can tell, they hit it right on the spot.  Lamiglass ias also another exelent blank.  Lamiglass is run by Gary Loomis's cousin or nephew. I can't remember wich.

do use some sort of vise when building your rods? on average, how long does it take to build one?

I use a wrapping jig.  For handles, I epoxy cork rings on a spinning madrel, let the epoxy cure(overnight), spin and shape them.  Once this is done, you need to fit them to the blanks by reaming them out with a tapered reaming tool.  Epoxy the grips and reel seat on the blank and let cure(overnight).  Mark your spine and wrap guides in place.  Epoxy the wraps 3 times in 1 hour intervols, spin on a drying motor for 6-8hrs, then let cure for 24 hours.  It's a lengthy process, but the end result is something no one else in the world has. 
Just a warning.  This is an addictive and expensive hobby.

gillgetter. Said:
I use a wrapping jig.  For handles, I epoxy cork rings on a spinning madrel, let the epoxy cure(overnight), spin and shape them.  Once this is done, you need to fit them to the blanks by reaming them out with a tapered reaming tool.  Epoxy the grips and reel seat on the blank and let cure(overnight).  Mark your spine and wrap guides in place.  Epoxy the wraps 3 times in 1 hour intervols, spin on a drying motor for 6-8hrs, then let cure for 24 hours.  It's a lengthy process, but the end result is something no one else in the world has. 
Just a warning.  This is an addictive and expensive hobby.

where would you buy the spinning jig or the wrapping jig?

I have been building custom rods for years and I can tell you it will have you addicted.  As far as a jig I have found it easier just to build yourself one out of some oak and a tensioning device that they sell through mud hole.  When you start this hobby the sky is the limit on what can be done.  I will tell you though it can get expensive.  I have built custom rods for some people that cost well over $500 dollars in materials alone so don't go into it thinking you can build a St Croix rod that you buy off of the shelf for less.  The best thing to do is start cheap and get the feel for everything because it is easy to damage an expensive blank when you first start out.

I definatly agree with Huskamute.  Components add up fast.  Very enjoyable once you get the hang of it.  Alot of name brand blanks in my opinion are way overpriced. You can find find some other blank companies that make blanks that perform as well or better and cost a third as much than say a Loomis or St. Croix.

I think that a custom rod builder by the name of Chuck DeRemmer is holding a rod building class in Bismarck, I think next weekend?  He said he was swinging by the MVF Fly Fishing Fly Casting school this weekend and i'll ask him about it again and maybe get him to post the details.  

He's an excellent rod builder and teacher and i really like his walleye rods.