I just had the pleasure of meeting a custom rod builder that teaches how to make bamboo fly rod blanks from scratch! I thought this was unique and was wondering if there were others that offer this service and what they charged for such a course. This gentleman has a six day course and you will have two blanks at the end of the course. He showed me the actual bamboo hanging in his shop and only allows a small number of students at a time. I am going to go as soon as he decides upon his next class and think this is an exceptional oppurtunity to learn a new skill. I did see several of his rods in stages of finishing all the way thru competion and they look stunning.
I will only divulge specifics on who he is and what he charges if he grants me permission to do so and if someone specifically asks.
Dan
I know of 3 or 4. Someday…
Probably ‘3 or 4’… hundred scattered about these days; some make good rods. When you find out what he charges and more details, keep his name secret, but let us all know. Some charge more than others. 
Thanks to all that have responded so far. Mr Castwell you have a PM… Thanks to you also Gardenfish, the Bellinger site is something else!!! Bamboo is just an amazing product!
Thanks,
Dan
Wow! I need to get out more.
Since you asked, here you go…
http://www.oysterbamboo.com/bamboo-fly-rods-classes.html
I’ll be unleashing fourty new bamboo rod makers this year alone. All ten of my 2008 dates are full but 2009 dates were just posted last week. My classes are different than most in that you will actually complete your rod (hand split, heat pressed nodes, hand planed, 3 - coats dip varnished) during the course of the class and we take them fishing the very next day.
If you have any questions about rod making classes (mine or just classes in general) drop me a line.
Bill Oyster
Thanks Bill, great pictures!
Hi,
Yes, lots these days - something for everyone!
These already mentioned here, and there’s Ron Barch in Michigan (who offers custom times for your conveinence), Jeff Wagner and Casimira Orlowski (J.D.Wagner Rods), Harry Boyd, others. The class David (Van Burgel), Art Port and I teach at the Catskills Museum is full this year, but that’s every June and a super location. There are weekends and immersion weeks and one weekend a month classes, and many of the rodmakers offering them are wonderful craftspeople. Some, teach with mills, some with hand planes. Some, teach techniques for the long patience and those who are meticulous, some teach fast production. Some mostly show you how, some let you discover ever bit of the process.
Its a good time to be interested.
Kat
Yes…it is.
It really is! 
Kathy I missed you this year at our Expo. Recent elbow surgery kept me away. I’m healin’!!
Great post on this topic. I’m sure glad I don’t live close to that Oyster guy…Wonderful pics Bill!
Jeremy.
I sure am glad Georgia is too far to commute! I’d give my eye teeth to be part of one of those classes!!
Hey Jeremy and Betty, just how far away are you? I just had a guy in from England and another is coming from Scotland this month. Last class I had one from North Carolina, one from Idaho, one from Indiana, and one from Seattle. Nobody is too far from the worlds busiest airport http://www.atlanta-airport.com/ ! 
Bill O.
Well, 3.5 hours from Phx I don’t think I am going to find a class.
Gemrod