Considering scratch cane as starter

[kengore]

I found another nice toutorial with pictures and detailed how to.....
http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/inde...howtopic=15417

[holensum]

Thanks Kengore,

I have most of the tools already from past woodworking projects, router, saws (japanese back saw, scroll, circular, chop, handsaws, etc) and planes both 9 inch and 6 inch that need the blades touched up. Still need to pick up a new depth gauge and 60* tip which I also use for working on cars, great for finding TDC or BDC with the heads off and for checking flatness on the cylinder deck and heads. And will build a poor mans oven, forced air type for use with a heat gun.

I'll dig a little deeper into PMQs. Seen a bit on those. I figured this would be a good winter project, last year was re-learning to tie, so I'm giving myself give or take 3 months to complete everything including the rod.

[kengore]

Some reference books and web sites that I find useful...

http://www.amazon.com/masters-guide-.../dp/0811703525 Finding a copy of this in my local library is what got me started. An excellent reference but written from the perspective of an trained engineer and master machinist , it is a little heavy on math. After reading this a second time I wasn't quite sure if my skills were up to the task.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1592288375/ref=rdr_ext_tmb This is fine book has all aspects of rodbuilding from start to finish. Much more accesable to the 'hobby builder' than the highly technical Garrison book. The detailed step by step instructions gave me the confidence I could do it.

http://www.bamboorodmaking.com/html/tips.html A collection of tips, techniques and tutorials gleened from a now defunct rodmakers list server site. A great wealth of information if your willing to poke around the somewhat awkward format.

http://www.hexrod.net/Tapers/drtaper...idge_75_4.html Here is the taper I used for my first PMQ. Based on the Paul Young Midge taper, converted to a 2 strip quad by Tom Smithwick in an article written for the plannin Form newsletter. It is a 6'3 2 peice 4wt, but handles a 3wt or 5wt line as well. This has become my favorite 4 wt rod for dry flies on small streams.

http://powerfibers.com/ An online magizine for bamboo rodmakers. Current issue can be downloaded for free. Back issues are available on CD for a price.

http://www.thomaspenrose.com/ A rod makers web site with many useful articles. Includes a good tutorial on building your own metal forms.

http://home1.gte.net/vzn05zew/rodbuild/Forms/form.html Article on building your own wooden forms, also composite forms using wood, aluminum or solid surface countertop material

[holensum]

Thanks Kengore, I'll put the two books on the Christmas list.

[holensum]

Bump to top

[holensum]

Well, the new year will be seeing me build a new bamboo rod from scratch. Over the past month I have accumulated the tools to make the forms and will start building the binding winder and the planing forms in January. I will also select the length and taper of the rod, I'm thing a 7 footer for tighter waters, and work on the obtaining the raw materials. Watch this space for updates on the project.

[holensum]

Well, I have managed to spend the better part of 3 months with only getting the sole on my plane flat and the blade sharp. I did find a local source for the cane and setting up my rough plane form. Guess I have accomplished more that I thought. Next up is finishing the filing guide, filing the v's in the rough form and getting the final form ready for veeing. Also have to build a binder.

It's a start.