I have replaced guides and other minor repairs but have never actually started with a blank and built my own. This should be an adventure. I think I might start with a couple of ultralight spinning rods, with a vaguely retro look, for my CarGem Mignon and Alcedo Micron. Gotta do some research.
Game time, it's deceptively simple. The best piece of aesthetic advice ever given to me on rod building is to focus on the transitions between parts. That's where the skill level of the builder shows up the most.
And take your dear sweet time on guide layout. Don't tolerate the line touching the blank at all on test casts.
Also, the small price difference between Fuji hardware and other knockoffs is nothing compared to the performance difference you'll observe. Others may disagree on that last one, but that's a hill I'd die on.
Last bit of advice: you don't need fancy equipment. Most specialized rod building supplies are just repurposed generic items with a markup. You don't need a power wrapper. You do need a power dryer. Some power dryers advertise themselves as also being a power wrapper, but that's some BS.
I built a lot of rods on two pieces of wood screwed together 90 degrees, cut vees in the top and glued some felt in. You COULD use rod varnish on thread with MULTIPLE coats and avoid power dryer or buy an inexpensive one. I also built a couple from rotisserie motors and the like.
Have fun. I don't build too many rods from scratch, but have gotten into taking existing rods and upgrading the hardware and/or rebuilding them with whatever repairs are needed.
Frank
One of the off-shoots of north fork composites sells a kit with literally everything you'll need to build a rod. High quality blanks components finishes and the carton turns into à serviceable hand wrapping stand. Worth a look if you're interested in giving it a go. I bought some to give to my grandsons next time I see them
I've built one, an acid wrapped jigging rod. Used all Fuji components, but skimped on the blank since it was my first: a mistake. Rod turned out great, but don't like the action at all, so it rarely gets used. This site and rod building dot org are very helpful. Have fun!