Brass, nickle, and chrome (oh, my)

[swamp rat]

I've been researching a lot about rod bamboo rod building before I embark on my own project. When it comes to ferrules, everything I've read so far says that nikle-silver ferrules are THE choice. While I'm sure they are indeed the best, I wonder why no one I've read even considers the possibility of nikle- or chrome-plated brass. They are much more affordable than the nikle-silver ones. Are they poor quality? Should I go ahead and shell out 40$ for nikle-silver, or is it tradition?

Thanks,
Swamp

Swamp,
Many production rods were plated brass. I have had a couple rods where the chrome/silver finally wore down to the brass underneath.

I think the philosophy today is "nothing but the finest" for a new bamboo rod. It's up to the maker, though. Go with what you feel comfortable with.

Best,
R

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[url=http://www.native-waters.com:7992e]http://www.native-waters.com[/url:7992e]

[FloridaFlyer]

Swamp, I have a few cane rods and with one exception they all have brass ferrules. I never had a problem with them, but they get very light use.

I will say that in my research I have found that the general opinion of brass is that it's not as sturdy as the nickle-silver and is prone to bending.

The one exception I mentioned is, of all things, aluminum. They are very light and strong. I like them, but it is a break from tradition. Given the chance to replace them with NS ferruls I probably would (they came with the blank).

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Ed Mercado
[url=http://www.mercconsulting.com:3f9da]http://www.mercconsulting.com[/url:3f9da]
Web Design for the Treasure Coast.

[2 Bead Pupa]

I've made ferrals for several rods useing stainless steel . I would have used nickle silver except the cost of solid stock is high unless you can buy a large quantity. I'm not very good at soldering ( i.e.- tubing ), so stainless seemed like a good alternative. So far I've had no complaints with it .

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Life is like a fly swap...You never know what your going to get.

[kengore]

There are plated brass ferrules for around $4.00 and nickle-silver sets for as much as $60. I found some good value at 'Rick's Rods' in Denver. The stock old McGill Wright nickle silver ferrules for as little as $30 a set, as well as good quality plated brass sets for around $10.00 They have a web site but they stock a lot more stuff than the web site can show. A phone call to them directly might provide more specific solutions. They are great folks and very helpful.
[url=http://www.ricksrods.com/:f29fa]http://www.ricksrods.com/[/url:f29fa]

[CTCaneman]

The nickel silver ferrules have a "self lubricating" property to them. They tend not to stick together, not saying they won't, just least likely. Yes they are a little more expensive and yes they are worth it. They can be bought from many places and varying degrees of quality, Golden Witch field grade are excellent for the money, my favorite, and I believe the least expensive are Tony Larson's at Rush River Rods [url=http://pages.prodigy.net/pumpkin10/:4d92f]http://pages.prodigy.net/pumpkin10/[/url:4d92f]
Pete

[swamp rat]

Thanks for the input, gemtlemen. Pete, I just recently discovered Goldenwitch, and I think I'll be buying several components from them, including nikel-silver ferrules.

Swamp

[FloridaFlyer]

Swamp, as a repeat customer of Golden Witch, I whole heartedly endorse them. I have been treated with fast and friendly service and their products have always been top notch.

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Ed Mercado
[url=http://www.mercconsulting.com:571f9]http://www.mercconsulting.com[/url:571f9]
Web Design for the Treasure Coast.