So I got a St Croix rod kit to build for Christmas. I watched the video on how to assemble all the components and I'm really looking forward to giving it a try. What I DON'T know... is how much of the tools recommended I really need.

I do plan on building more than one but have a very tight budget right now so have to keep my additional costs as low as possible. So my questions are:

What kind of thread should I get? I think colorfast seems to be the best fit for me but there's so many stinking brands I have no idea what quality to go for.

I assume I need the rasp tools for reaming the cork and reel seat plastic, do I need to invest in a wrapping tool? They have a low end tensioner that I can mount on a workbench and it seems easy enough to make a holder for the rod.

Epoxy and finisher for the wraps. Holy crap, there's too many choices! What's a good entry level epoxy and finisher?

That's it for now.