I have access to a nice bamboo blank. My question is how is building on bamboo different than graphite? This is a fly rod. Have built several graphite fly rods now. I do know that varnish is usually used rather than epoxy. Also that silk thread is used rather than nylon.
But my main questions concern the blank shape. A graphite blank is round and the hole for the cork is reamed out with a rat tail file but that would not seem to work with the hex shape of a bamboo blank? Also when you use bushing to build up the area to glue on the reel seat - is that done diffierently due to the shape?
Also the ferrules: are they put on with the same adhesive used for tip tops? How are ferrules sized?
And finally - I assume the entire blank is varnished - not just the windings?
Sorry lots of questions. But I am sure some of you have built on bamboo and have the answers.
Greg

You should turn down the blank in the reel seat/grip area then fit the reel seat and cork rings. Never attempt to fit blank to the seat. Fit the seat to the blank then no spacers, bushings are needed. The butt and tip sections must also be turned at the ferrule stations to fit the ferrules. Sizing ferrules can be complicated. Suggest using swiss-type ferrules having no step-down. Assuming the blank is not impregnated, yes it must be varnished. Easiest method is dipping. Suggest you read a bamboo rod making book before beginning the project.

i would suggest asking some of those questions at this forum:

[p205.ezboard.com]

good luck! bamboo might be in my future as well.

eric
fresno, ca.

A good reference site is [www.bamboorodmaking.com]. Some bamboo rodmakers use Tru-oil - this is easier, in my opinion, than varnishing. There is also a related product called Mike's Stuff. Both of these just get rubbed on the blank, in a similar manner to reel seat inserts. Besides varnish on the wraps, you can also use Permagloss, or just regular rodmaking epoxy. I like Klass Kote. Silk is very good. I got my first spools from Golden Witch, but there are a number of web sites you can buy good silk thread directly. George Maurer's book on bamboo rodmaking is good, and there is a detailed description with pictures on fitting ferrules. This is not straightforward. If you buy a blank ready made, you can ask the blank maker to fit the ferrules for you. Another good site that discusses blank and rod makers is [p205.ezboard.com]. There is a traditional way to do things in bamboo rodmaking that appeals to many people, but if the rod is for yourself, you just need to please yourself.

Thanks for the info.
Greg