Every now and then something happens or comes along that stands above the usual. This week I experienced just such a thing.

I have been a subscriber to RodMaker magazine since volume 1 issue 3. (I am still trying to get volume 1 issues 1 and 2.) I consider the cost a very worth while investment.
Does every article apply to my needs or likes. No. But it might, further down the road. But, I still enjoy reading about what other builders are doing. Therefore I eagerly look forward to each new issue.

This past week I finally had time to read the new issue, volume 14 issue 5. By habit I started with the last page first and read towards the front. Crazy I know.
I read History, Q&A, Past and Present, GPS Guide Placement, Microwave, 100+ Years......., Letters and finally the Editor's Page. When finished I thought about what I had read, what I had reread, how it affects me and other rod designer/builders. Then I realized that this read was one of a kind. Read what each article is about. It was a combination of years that rod designer/builders have applied to this fascinating craft. Tools they designed to meet a need. How blanks are manufactured, past and present. A new program to help builders set up initial guide location and I am sure this is just a scratch of the surface. A 30 year journey chasing an idea and finally achieving the goal, AMAZING. (Congratulations to Doug Hannon!) The evolution of the spin guide and set up.

Finally the small taste that Tom gave up regarding the survey in his Editor's Page. I eagerly await the final results of the survey. I don't think a scope such as this has ever been done before. Fantastic!

This issue had such an impact on me for what it contained. I have never before seen such history and knowledge that made me think, opened my thought process and appreciated what others have accomplished. And, that goes for the Editor who created RodMaker magazine. Thank you Tom for persevering and expending such great effort to accomplish this feat.

As I started with, "A defining moment".

Capt Neil Faulkner

It would be nice to get issue 3 and 4 and 5 since it seems to take forever to get them here in Canada. Still waiting . Yes I am subscribed here it must be that the border guards must figure it is highly classified info that we are trying to get as it seems to take an extremely long time .

Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

I don't ship magazines to individuals in Canada. The person who resells them there has #'s 3 and 4 for sure. I'd get in touch with them and see what's up.

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I agree. Best magazine I have ever subscribed to. I was taught by my father (basic stuff) but almost everything else I have learned has come from Rodmaker mag, this forum and other rod builders in my area. I find myself always going back to past issues because I run into something and know that I read it in Rodmaker in the past. Great magazine.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

I heartily agree, Capt. What's with starting at the back? I do that quite often too. Never have understood it.

Another vote for starting in the back for some reason...:) Though I do it less often now.

Anyways, indeed great point about the mag and this site.

Mo

Its a very high quality magazine. The craft is lucky to have something like it.

Great post Capt., great magazine, great forum. Couldn't agree more.

I too, read back to front (and upside down actually, bad habit started when I was a child) I thought I was just strange.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

I was just thinking last week about about all the written works and contributions Tom Kirkman has made to this industry, including Rod Maker magazine, and I realized he is a living legend. I don't know if anybody has done more for rod building.

Everything about Rodmaker mag is first class. Very well thought out and assembled with articles from the best of the best. The quality of the paper and photos is as good as anything in the print world. Seems to be getting even better these past few years.

Believe it or not but I only subscribed because I had read so many bad and negative things about it on another message forum that I wanted to see just how bad it could really be! But after getting three issues I have found it to be a tremendous asset to my rod building information database. The articles are very well researched and written not to mention how well they are presented. Overall color and quality of the mag is excellent. What started out as something I did on a whim has likely turned me into a lifetime subscriber. The mag is truly excellent.