The huge success of the National Rod Builders Show these past 3 years has led to inquires for booth space from folks a bit outside of the realm of rod building. While I don't want to move too far outside the focus of rod building, I feel that if the companies are at least reasonable related to what we do, I'll consider them as vendors.

Today I learned that one of the world's largest and most popular supplier of wood lathes and turning supplies would like to attend as an exhibitor/vendor. Seems like a good fit since so many of us own and use wood lathes and related products in our custom rod building work. I won't name them for the time being, but all indications are that they'll be on hand.

Another company, a major player in the high end fishing reel market, has also asked me to send them an exhibitor package. Too early to tell what they'll do but since most custom rods eventually get fitted with reels I'd probably sell them space if they want it (they're a major manufacturer - not a dealer).

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Sounds great to me! The more the better, in my opinion. Anything that can be used in conjunction with rod building is a plus, in my opinion! I'd love to see someone selling exotic woods

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike...Have you checked out Classic Custom Wood from the sponsors column?...they got some really nice exotics.....Maybe Tom can interest them in coming and offering their wares.....Just a thought....Or possibly, you as a rod builder, might let them know that you would be interested in seeing them there....

Steve Buchanan

Steve's Custom Rods

Ray was at the Show in 2005, and had to back out of 2006 because he was moving into a new home or re-modeling his currnet one. I hope to see him and his son Gabe, really nice peopel and tehy do awesome work. Didn't Andy have some insert wood?

Ray has already told me that he plans to have a booth at the 2007 event.

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Mike I had over 200 pieces of stabilized exotic wood in my booth in 2005....I sold about 30 of them. And those 30 pieces were divided between about 7 different people. The problem is that only about 5% of the TOTAL rodbuilding community actually turn wood...it's a very small group of us in the grand scheme of things. Most people want the wood truned for them.




Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing

Steve, As far as I know, Ray (Classic Custom) doesn't sell wood.
Andy, I know what you're saying (I was one of the few that bought some from you) I know that no one is going to sell a ton of it but I still wish that someone would have some available (both stabilized and natural). I think that more and more builders are getting into turning. Stabilized may be out of many's price range.

As usual, I'm probably wrong, but I still wish..............................


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

There will be plenty of wood turning stock, stabilized, impregnated and natural, at the 2007 event. Plastics and acrylics too.

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AWESOME!!!!!! Who's bringing it?

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!