This forum, especially the bamboo sections, should probably carry black label warnings listing all of the possible side effects and hazards.
A few weeks ago I started browsing through all of the bamboo articles. Since then my thoughts have been filled with nothing else. I dream of planing forms and binders and splitting and sharpening techniques. I am afraid I have been bitten.
But. before I run out and buy all kinds of stuff and dive in I need the answer to a couple of very important questions from all of you boo addicts.
Is it too late for a 60 + guy to start to learn to make GOOD bamboo rods?
no…
by now you surely have some skills, these can be of value. There is no reason your first should not be just fine. Go for it kid; while you’re still young enough to enjoy it!
I’m pushing 58, and 60 don’t look like anything more than another birthday to get teased over. I took up graphite rod building last year, and built 10 rods that I’m darn proud of. I say don’t waste any more time. Go start your shopping list, say goodbye to spouse, children and close friends, because you are embarking on a long journey to the Dark Side. Some are able to slip in and out at times to be part of society, but for most it’s a long, consuming adventure. Bon Voyage
I surely will have lots of questions and will make lots of mistakes along the way but I am looking forward to the challenge. Fortunately, during those previously mentioned 60+ years I have accumulated a fair amount of tools and have a decent workshop so I think I will just jump in.
I have ordered Wayne Cattanach’s “Handcrafting Bamboo Fly Rods”. Can any of you recommend other useful books?
Get ready to frequent dangerous places. It is too late to go back! I am 69 and have been building bamboo rods about 10 years. Just finished one yesterday. A 3 pc. 8’ for 5 wt. It’s a gift for a son. In response to your reqeuest for other books may I recommend “Constructing Cane Rods” by Ray Gould and “Fundamentals of Building a Bamboo Fly Rod” by George Maurer and Bernie Elser. There are others and there is also much to be found on the net. Try not to get confused by the different approaches different makers have for dealing with similar issues. That shows the progress being made in the development of bamboo rod knowledge. Use good raw materials. Don’t take short cuts. But you already know this.
Gerry L
Thanks Gerry. I will look up your suggestions. Right now I am compiling a list of necessities to get started and planing forms seem to be at the top. Did you make your own forms or buy them? I am leaning toward making my own but would like to hear from someone who has done that.
Hi, Shaky Wadr.I did not feel that I wanted to deal with a big mess and the time requred to make a planing form. Some may say I cheated, but I was able to get off to a quick start by buying the form. Many rod makers purchased their planing forms.I also bought the wrapper. There were plenty of other things I needed to come up with. The first rod seemed to take a hundred years. It turned out ok and I use it most every day, year around. Good rod making!
Gerry L
Shakey;
I’ve been making bamboo rods for 11 years now and I’ve always thought that the inside cover of every book on rodmaking should say "Abandon Hope(and free time and money) All Ye Who Enter Here. That has only a partial <g> and lol attatched to it, if your inclined to get even a little absorbed in doing something it can eat a big hole in your spare time and spare change, but it’s fun, rewarding and a much better use of time than watching TV.
john
Well, I guess I am into it now. Today I visited my local steel yard and picked up a 12’ length of 3/4 square 12L14 cold rolled steel to make forms. Tomorrow evening it will be cutting and begin filing.
On your point about getting absorbed, I do have a tendency to do that. About a hundred years ago I got the bug for astronomical telescopes and just had to have one. I couldn’t afford to buy one of course so why not build it. This little diversion consumed 100’s of hours of hand grinding and polishing pyrex glass into parabolic mirrors. I finally got over it about 15 years later. Then there was the photography and darkroom. I could go on but you get the idea. I would do it all again by the way. So I do have some idea of what I am getting into and thus the trepidation.
