Finished! My first bamboo build from scratch

[Jim Flamming]

Jeez-o-petes. Thanks again everyone, and Bill you are too kind. I really admire your work. The rod you built for Jimmy Carter is a museum quality piece, a national treasure. If my rods turn out a tenth as good someday, I will be tickled. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and very kind words!

iflysw - to answer your questions, I used one of Ron's forms to plane the butt and a set of Colorado Bootstrap forms for the tip that I purchased through Ron. Figured for the money, I didn't want to skimp on the forms and run the risk of them not being well machined. The forms seem to be the most important part of this whole game, so I figured why take chances. Most forms come two sided with a groove for the butt sections on one side and the tip sections on the other.

[iflysw]

Jeez-o-petes. Thanks again everyone, and Bill you are too kind. I really admire your work. The rod you built for Jimmy Carter is a museum quality piece, a national treasure. If my rods turn out a tenth as good someday, I will be tickled. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and very kind words!

iflysw - to answer your questions, I used one of Ron's forms to plane the butt and a set of Colorado Bootstrap forms for the tip that I purchased through Ron. Figured for the money, I didn't want to skimp on the forms and run the risk of them not being well machined. The forms seem to be the most important part of this whole game, so I figured why take chances. Most forms come two sided with a groove for the butt sections on one side and the tip sections on the other.

Thank You Jim for clarifying that for me i thought so, but just wanted to find out from someone who built on bamboo.

[oldschoolcane]

Perfect, what a great experience that must have been. Good for you.


Tim

[Kathy Scott]

Very nice, Jim! Welcome to the fold. You realize you'll never be free again

How many cane rods you need?....... One more!!!

btw, I'd second all those nice words about Ron Barch!

Kat

[GBurgFisher]

Jim - WOW! That thing is beautiful...I hope to do the same in a few years...just need a better work area. How did you decide on the taper? Had you cast something similar before?? Great to see your work though!

I'm getting the rod box out of the closet this weekend. I have a stripped down (soon to be banty) that's been lounging around for too long now!

[Water-Ouzel]

Fantastic work. That is beautiful. Congrats.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Jim,

Just stunning! Beautifiully done. I love the jasper wraps, they are even my favorite color. What a fine fishing tool you have crafted.

REE

[PaulY]

Jim,

Nice work. You certainly have more patience that I do. I was thinking of doing Bill Oysters class in the spring, but that would cut into my fishing and bicycling time.

A few questions, if you don't mind.
1. How many hours of your time did it take?
2. What reel will you put on it?

Thanks and congratulations.

Paul

[Lake Erie High Ball]

Jim,

If I could envision making a fly rod that is how I would want it to turn out.

It is a legacy worthy of a king and deserving of a name... Did you name it?

Merry Christmas,
Sean