The Volume 10 #6 RodMaker was delivered to the printer today. It’s a particularly interesting issue with some techniques that are likely to start a couple of new crazes in custom rod building. Most subscribers will get it shortly before Christmas.

This afternoon I began work on Volume 11 #1, which will be the issue that I carry to the 2008 ICRBE. It will include a technique that will be a revelation to most custom rod builders; something to allow you to fashion steel, aluminum, alloys, etc., into butt caps, reel seats, slick butts or anything else you desire where such materials could be used appropriately as component parts. And no, you won’t need an expensive lathe, mill, drill, etc. The results are stunning and most anyone can learn to do it. More to come on this a little later.


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Tom, some time back you mentioned something about an article addressing photography issues. Is that still one tap? I do OK with the weavig stuff but cross wraps and tigers are giving me fits.

Sounds cool. I love working w/metals....jeesh I still havent received 10-5 and your already going to press with 10-6!

Same here Tom...I also have not received10-5 {Calif.} So at this rate 11-1 going to the western states will not be received until late January.
Isn't it great how our USPS is jacking us around and they are looking to increase mailing charges again this year. Oh Well such is life.


Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred

Doc,

I have the photography article done, but after reading through it decided to see if I couldn't make it even simpler. I think I can. That one will run in the Volulme 11 #1 issue as well.

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Steven,

That issue is due on October 28th so you should have it any day. If not, please email me directly and let me know.

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Fred,

Actually, once you've mailed stuff to other countries you begin to realize just how fantasic the USPS really is. Overseas mail left me with a 50% loss rate. Here with the USPS I rarely see more than a 2% loss rate and most of the time it's even lower than that.

10-5 isn't late, yet. I allow about 30 days for it to be delivered (standard for 3rd class) and most will be in subscribers hands by the 28th of each even numbered month.

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Got my 10-5 yesterday ! Love It !!!

So you are always one issue ahead or two?

At least 1 and usually 2, with some articles and features in the works for 3 or 4 ahead. The article on rod buildng ergonomics had been in the works for 2 years before you read it. Some of these things take a good deal of time.

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Tom, all my orders from US thru USPS always arrive here in Singapore within 7 days from the time I receive the parcel tracking number. The most recent one from Joe Douglas arrived within 5 days. My orders from Japan is always received within 3 days. If the sender can provide the parcel tracking number code, which is a standard 15 digit alphanumeric code, we can always keep track of it. You should try sending RodMakers to Singapore and I will not be surprised that we may recieve them earlier that some within the US.

Anthony Lee

Sounds good on the photography article. PLEASE "dumb it down" for me!! Simple minds need lots of help...

Putter
Williston, ND

hi tom will u be doing any more on cd at all

Anthony,

I have tried sending magazines to Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan, Europe, South Africa, etc. It nearly put me out of business. The losses were just more than I could stand. Sorry, I just don't have the resources to do it. I work on a pretty thin budget and don't the time nor any staff to allow me to go to any great lengths to mail individual parcels overseas.

Again, sorry. I just can't do it.

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Cant wait to see the issue about forming aluminum and other metals. Maybe I can make an "up to date" end cap like the Matagi's and not have to pay an arm and a leg for them. I dont know why there are no american companies that make aluminum end caps like the ones at the bottom of this page [www.matagi.co.jp]? I feel they are the ultimate finishing product (especially the last one on the bottom right). They dont need to be used with weights, or even the female screw, just add some drywall tape and rod bond........BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I hope the article will show me how to make something like this, I will just do backflips.

-Mike