It's not that hard. I bought a book about tying and took my time with some "seconds" I got off ebay. I've made some really nice rods over the years. I got most of my materials at Cabelas, including a drying motor. It spins the rod for finishing and drying and was only about 40 dollars. I made my own wrapping stand. Basically a few pieces of plywood cut with soft felt so as to not hurt the rod. It's a good present to give to someone, you can put their name on it and stuff.