just thought i'd pass on some rookie experiences i recently had learning to weave. took the day off to enjoy some of ellis mendiolas sons products and try AGAIN to do the skull-n-cross bones weave. if i ramble or can't spell talk to mendiola about it. or his son. anyway, i had purchased a loom from a well known supplier, looked at it a bit, didn't see anyway i would want to keep it and sent it back. did the weave using double stik tape, pulled a thread loose, crossed a thread and lost my place, and almost turned the rod into a bunny beater. i decided to try again and ordered a loom from jim kastorff as he seems to kinda know what he is doing. thats called a understatement for ya'll what ain't from texas. anyway, it came in, and i did the weave with no problems at all, could keep track of everything etc etc. MUCH easier than brand X or tape. didn't have to pay outrageous shipping charges either, or do we want to get that started up again. he also included a ton of left lists. anyway, i feels another cold one calling me. john

Hi John,

I know what you mean. I just purchased a loom from Jim K and glad I did. I didn't buy from him because he said it was the best, I bought it from him because he was helping me out and answering my questions without buying his loom. Between Jim K & Doc Ski I had the confidence to give it a try and you know what it's not that hard to do. I did a few letters and then the Shark weave from Clemens book and they can out good, just need to adjust my tension. Today I started a Rooster fish weave in colors. I think it will come out ok but if it doesn't I will keep doing it until it does. Your right on the money about Jim Kastorff, great product at a reasonable price and a great guy, he's there to answer any questions you have. John I hope you have as much fun with your loom as I'm having with mine. Now I have to figure out how to make my own patterns.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

I will second that one on Jim.. Great guy, very helpful and just plain ol' honest. Just wait till you start designing your own weaves ....!

Mark

John,
What products are you talking about in reference to me or my son? I don't sell products and my son is not involved in rod building. He is an electrical engineer living in San Diego while his wife finishes law school there.
Cheers, Ellis

ellis-

i thought i read a post recently where you said that your son was involved w/budweiser? coulda sworn that was you. no?

Yes, my oldest son does sell Bud. He looks like me but Momma claims him as her own. The younger one in San Diego has always been Dad's boy. However, the Bud salesmen is always having more fun. He is a good salesmen and gets free hunting and fishing trips. He just got back from Las Vegas. Tough life. But neither of the two took up rodbuilding and only go fishing with me when I ask them too. They say they had enough fishing while they were growing up.
Cheers, Ellis