Fly-Rod Making -- Completion In this segment, the bamboo fly-rod assembly is completed and outfitted with hardware.
- With the fly-rod elements glued, assembled and given a heat-treatment, the next steps involve installing the necessary hardware. The first piece of metal hardware installed is the tip-top (figure A). The top is gently inserted onto the tapered end of the rod tip and secured with a small amount of cement.
- Next, the ferrule is attached using epoxy cement. A bit of sanding may be needed to ensure to an exact fit.
- A pre-formed cork grip is installed. The grip's bore is re-mounted to fit the rod, and the grip is then glued on.
- Once the line-guides are in place, they are secured with nylon or silk thread (figure B). Rod-wrapping is an art in itself, and each rod-maker develops a signature style.
- According to John Cole, the important thing is to wrap precisely and be as neat as possible (figure C). Nylon thread is available in a variety of colors, but remember that nylon thread may change color somewhat once it is varnished.
- Once wrapping is complete, the threads are covered with four to five coats of varnish. The varnish is carefully applied using a toothpick (figure D).
- The final step is to apply a high-grade polyurethane varnish to the entire rod. John achieves this by means of a varnishing tube (figure E) that he has developed himself. By slowly dipping the rod in the varnish using the tube and a pulley-system, an even coat of varnish can be applied to the entire rod.
- The varnish-coated rod is allowed to dry for 12 hours in a second tube. Typically, several coats of varnish are applied to achieve an impressive luster. Any spots are polished off between coats using "0000" steel wool.
- Once the final coat is dry, the rod is complete (figure F).
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fly Fishing
ISBN: 0028629531
Author: Michael D. Shook
Fly Fishing & Fly Tying magazine
The online version of the fly-fishing magazine, Fly Fishing & Fly Tying .
Web site: www.flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk
The American Museum of Fly Fishing
Web site: www.amff.com
The Complete Book of Fly Fishing
Author: Tom McNally and Tom Beecham
GUESTS :
John Cole
John Cole is a solo craftsman who creates handmade bamboo fly-rods.
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