Yesterday I achieved the age of 69. Notice I didn't say "turned 69" at this age if you turn too fast you are liable to fall down! I am glad that I subscribed to RodMakers, and even more happy that I decided to participate in the Forum.
I am learning new things daily, even after 42 + years of rod building. Today I learned that a rod I had made for years was called a "centerpin" I always called them "Noodle Rods". I also learned about a number of mfg's who make reels for these rods and am anxious to check them out. I appreciate all the contributors to this site, and hope that I will be able to contribute some information to someone that will help them in building a better fishing rod. I would like to especially thank Tom Kirkman for his efforts in making the magazine and this site available. Don't let age stop you from being able to learn or be inventive on your own. :>) Randy

Congrats Randolph!

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

Happy Birthday Randolph.

Hi Randolph,
Definite congratulations, if you don't learn something new every day your usually six feet under!! Keep on building, learning and hopefully there is plenty of years to come.. Check out these Aussie centre pin reels [www.motackle.com.au] . One of these is going to go very nicely with a rod I will build in the new year on a blank that I can hopefully get at the Expo

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Col, you are absolutely right! Any day above ground can be made a good one!

It is the only Guaranty in life
I am not far behind you
Happy birthday

Bill - willierods.com

May you have a lot more years ahead of you , God bless you! 69!

Thanks Lorenzo, I wasn't posting to get birthday wishes but to say it is still nice to be able to learn new things. Even when you think you might know it all!!! I have been learning that I don't!!

I wish I had 50 years of rod building knowledge. You contain a wealth of knowledge that you can pass on to others.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

I am trying to do so. Submitted one article and one tip to Tom, and am working on two more articles for the magazine.

I have NOWHERE near your experience (probably not close in skill either) but I have 4 years on you and you are right about learning every day!! I look forward to reading your articles. Are you going to the Expo?

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!!

Happy Birthday

I would love to go to the expo and am going to try and make it. Just depends on family circucmstances at the time. Thanks all for the birthday wishes. I appreciate them all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I am younger...just 67

Jean, thanks you young pup!!

I am too pretty new at this Randolph, and at 51, I am glad also that I am learning something new, all these years I have wondered how they did all that, now thanks to Rodbuilding.org I know a lot more then just wondering lol! So many more rod building years for you and all who enjoy rodbuilding.

You are not just learning at the age of 69 but you are still teaching also. keep up the posting and Happy Birthday it is nice to have people with your maturity around as I am only 67. lol

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Bill, you young sprout!! Thanks :>)

I'm only 61 and you guys are making me feel like a nipper!!! Great to be able to pass a bit on and the learning bit doesn't stop on this site.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Happy birthday and God bless. That is an achievement. May you have many more.