Greetings to everyone, and a BIG thank you to everyone that came out to the Alaska Rodbuilding Gathering yesterday. We had another good turnout. Throughout the day we had 6-8 people show up. John Lubben even came down from Fairbanks. There is one more rodbuilder in the world today. Frank Wilkinson came out to learn how to build rods. He was walked through the entire process and given many points of view on different aspects of rodbuilding one of which came down to the inevitable discusion of "The Rod Spline". Through a gruop effort he is now able to perform Guide wraps with trim bands. I fumbled my way through a discussion on decorative wraps. As prepared as you thing you can be for something, usually turns out to be half-prepared. I will do better next time. Pete Pickett showed up with his homebuilt wrapper/lathe. He had less than $20 into it, that doesn't include the drill which he already had. He develeoped an interesting technic for drying the rod with out a dryer motor. He simply turned on the stove, and slowly rotated it above the heat by HAND. I was amazed at the results he got. I hope everyone had a good time, and everyone took something home with them. I will post pictures shortly.

Kerry Batson recently mentioned the name of an "Alaskan Rodbuilder" that I am begining to think is an Urban Legend. Sightings of him are as rare as sightings of Sasquatch, or BigFoot. I am not going to namedrop, give out his initials or anything like that, but maybe if I poke Paul Rotkis in the ribs a few times he will make an appearance at one of the gatherings. Poke Poke Paul, you should make an appearance one of these days. May 22nd will be the last gathering before our summer break and we enjoy the company of all rodbuilders.

Or if anyone has photos, or sightings of this mythical creature called Pal Rotkis, with rodbuilding equipment in hand please forward them as proof of his existance.

I didn't take many pictures as I was wrapped up (no pun intended) in all the procedings. There are a few though, I will post them today

Kirk

To get eight builders in a state so big and sparsely populated is a pretty good turnout. Give yourself and all the guys a slap on the back!

Thank you Pete.............I am pleased with the turnout, and the best part is that I have had even more interest. If we break into the double digits the next gathering I wouldn't be suprised, and I will be very pleased. I again offer my thanks to everyone that has comeout, and it will only get better with time.

Kirk

Great job Kirk!! Build it and they will come.

Awesome! Keep it up

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I had a great time. I saw some really interesting new ideas and had some great discussions with everyone. There was no "wrong" way of doing things, just different ways. We covered several ways of doing many things. While I wish it was closer to me in Fairbanks, I will come to another one. Maybe not every one. Too spendy. )

Those that missed it, sure did miss out.)