I posted this in the rod building forum but thought I would post it here as well since it really has to do with the fishability of a rod. (If the moderators want to delete this post go ahead.)
I received my copy of John Bett’s “Making Strip-Built Fly Rods…”. Let me start by saying what a great book it is. Really more of a work of art than a book. The drawings and pictures make it easy to follow. If I never am able to build a functional wood fly rod I’ll still be glad I bought the book.
Now a question…
For the record I am building this first rod out of white ash. It will be a 2 piece 8’ rod. My plan is for this to be about a 4 wt. rod. I am about done tapering the top section. I have noticed there is a slight bow about 8" from the tip. Not much (less than 1/4") but noticable if you sight down the blank. What effect do any of you think this will have on the performance of the rod? When I wrap on the guides should should the bow be on the top of the rod or the bottom?
I can’t answer any little bit of your question but I have been thinking of getting that book. Make sure that you post pictures when you’re finished. Or, you could post photos of your progress.
I have been thinking of getting that book also. I watched a show a few years ago that made fly rods out of ash using a jointer and then hand plane. It was really interesting.
If you have pictures it would be great to see your progress.
Let me be another one to encourage you to post photos as you go along. Will be much appreciated, as the possibility of building a rod like you are describing really appeals to me.
Royce, I recall a segment from “The Woodwright’s Shop” where steam was used to straighten some sort of dowel. The steam was applied via a fairly precisely aimed stream to the point or area that needed straightening and then placed in some sort of “jig” to keep it at the proper shape till set. Maybe it would work in your case too. And also, steam is/was used to true up arrow shafts . The only question is how your particular wood choice would react to heat and moisture
Mark
PS: And NOW I realize, that wasn’t your question. And as far AS your question, sorry.
This is a very interesting thread. Last week a friend sent a copy of FFT Journal with an article by Frank Amato and John Bett’s ‘strip-built’ wood rod. My friend was so interested he thought that we should attempt to build a couple of theses rods.
In his excitement, he hasn’t realized that we needed a lathe.
Modest sets (or bends) in bamboo rods are usually more of an aesthetic concern than a functional one. A bamboo rod with a slight set - say one that misplaces the tip 1/4" to 1/2" will not usually affect performance. With bamboo you usually heat the rod very gently and work the set out by bending it backwards. Heat can be dry - like a heat gun - or wet - from a steam kettle. Just take it slow and be gentle. Unfortunately, often the sets will reappear with time.
Mark:
I was so interested in you suggestion of applying a little steam and seeing if I can work the bow out that I wasn’t the least bit worried about what question you did or didn’t answer. I’m going to try to staighten it.
Ok, gotta get that book, maybe I can find a use for that big metal lathe and wood lathe I have in my garage. The metal lathe was my dad’s before he passed away, he could build anything out of nothing. I either am working too hard or have too many other hobbies to play with it.