Bamboo Rod Building Book for A Beginner

[rnelson]

I know absolutely nothing about building bamboo rods but am interesting in learning. Can someone recommend a good book or books for someone wanting to try building a bamboo rod? I have no tools and have no idea what it might take to get into this.

Thanks.

[tea stick]

Can't recommend any books since I never read one, but if you know nothing about bamboo fly rod making, then you may want to first read some on-line info about what the process entails. I don't have any hyper-links for you, but if you google up something like "bamboo rod making" , you'll find some websites. Also, I know that R.K. Bolt and J.D. Wagner have some good info on the BASIC process.
Just do a search.

After getting to know something about the process, I have nothing but respect for people who undertake the challange. There are also schools available, but their not cheep. If I could afford it, I would probably go that route. That way you won't have spent money for all the tools needed until your sure you want to make it a hobby, and at the very least, you will have walked away with a boo rod that you have created with your own two hands.

Good luck !!!
Scott

[fishbum]

Give Wayne Cattanach's "Handcrafting Bamboo Bly Rods" a try. You can make a fly rod with the help of Wayne's instructions. There are some others but I don't have the titles readily available at this time. "A Masters Guide to Making a Bamboo fly Rod" by Garrison and Charmicheal is a bit intimidating as a first book unless you come from an engineering background.

Good luck with your project.

fishbum

[rnelson]

Fishbum,

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give this book a try.

Rick

[TomTrout]

If your going to try Wayne's book you may want to get his DVD as a suppliment to it. I got it for 20.00 from Wayne off e-bay.
I believe there is a 10 or twelve part article on rod building on this site's Bamboo Archives. Written by J.D.Wagner.

Tom

[gerry l]

I'd like to add my nickle's worth. Wayne's book is my favorite with plenty of recipes, but look at these if you can.
"Constructing Cane Rods" Gould
"Fundamentals of Building a Bamboo Fly-Rod" Maurer and Elser
Fly Rods Galore" Barnes.

These all have different methods and ideas. Sometimes this helps, but don't become confused either. I don't think you want to try for a collector's rod on your first attempt.

Good rod making! gerry l.