I've decided to try to restore my dad's old rod I found in the shed, but need to start at ground zero for bamboo restoration - any online sources or do I need to buy a book?

Back issues of RodMaker had a complete series of how to build a bamboo rod from scratch, but you wouldn't the ones dealing with blank construction.

I'd take a look at Bernie Elser and Geoge Maurer's book on bamboo rod making and utilize the chapters on finishing, wrapping, etc.

However, what you're doing has less to do with bamboo specifically and more to do with refinishing and such.


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Get yourself a copy of Michael Sinclair's spiral bound, "Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook". It is a teriffic source for anyone dealing with old cane rods...lots of how-to info from a real pro.

Good wraps!

Tim

Get a copy of Michael Sinclair's spiral bound, "Rod Restoration Handbook." It is a great Reference for anybody dealing with old cane rods...lots of good how-to info from a real pro.

Good wraps!

Tim

Also: here's what is (was?) available in Mud-Hole 2005 Catalog
VID7 - Video: "How to Refinish Bamboo Rods" - $21
VID70 - Video: Francis Digger "Portrait of a Bamboo Fly Rod Maker" -$28

i have restored a couple of old south bends. i think the most difficult thing is matching the old thread. it kind of depends on how close you want to come. what is the make of rod?

start by taking some digital photos of the entire rod. measure the position of every thing on the rod that will come off. measure the guide wraps. is the cork salvageable? what about the reel seat. the more things you can use the better. make thorough notes. those and your photos will help you get back to where you want to go. are the ferruls still good and tight fitting? will they need to be blued or are they bright silver? it is a fun project and especially since it has some sentimental value.

you will want to strip off the old varnish. i use citrus strip. work a section at a time and you will have to use multiple applications. under the guides you will most likely find ghoasting. the area under the guide may be lighter or darker than the rest of the cane. as long as you are not going to add guides thats good because it tells you where ot put back guides if you forget to "map" the rod. if you can try to use the original guides. i put them in
citus strip since they will have some old varnish on them. i then wash them in acitone and i re-blue them (if they were blued) in burchwood casey
super blue. the tip might be worn and grooved, as may some of the guides. if you are going to fish it you may want to replace them and i usually replace with a size larger guide. no one will notice.

these are just a few things to do and by no means the difinitive answer. the sinclair book recommended above is the best source but it may be hard to find and expensive.

Ken Preston has some information on his web site [www.kensfishingrods.com]

Karen,
Drop me an email or phone me and I'll walk/talk you through it. It's not hard to do at all. Just takes a little patience.