MY girlfriends grandpa dug out 3 old bamboo fly rods he had tucked away in the attick from his younger days last night. I thought to thinking that it would be a great birthday or christmas present for me to fix them up and maybe head out on a fly fishing adventure like he used to do. I've never fixed up a bomboo rod before and was wodnering if it needed any special care besides the normal guide, thread, and epoxy replacement.

I plan on taking off the guides to shine them up, put on new thread and then new epoxy. Is there anyway to clean up the varnish on the blank? or is it not worth the hassle?
I appreciate the help!

The easy way ( but carefully) is to scrap the blank with a razor blade on the flats Try to keep it as flat to the flats as possible if you want to go crazy yo can run a block with 400 - 500 sand paper on it
Once clean Check in GOOD light Check for any twist in the blank They can be fixed with some heat untwist let cool several times
Once the blank is clean you can either coat with Permagloss let dry the apply guides and finish
Or
Put the guides on wrap and then finish all at once Looks original this way No edges on the wraps
Helmsman spar works well thinned and I dribble it over a almost vertical rod
You may have to practice this

A Google search will bring up a TON of info on building them

Bill - willierods.com

You can also strip the varnish off with a varnish stripper or a citrus stripper. Be careful not to leave it on the rod too long. You may have to do it twice, but it is very effective, with no risk of cutting into the surface bamboo fibers which are the rods strength.

I don't know if this is something that would apply to your circumstance, but the value of desirable, old bamboo rods can be extremely affected by what you are discussing.

On the other hand, if they are no named, or he wants them redone regardless, then have fun!

Jon, Before you dismantle those rods could you post a few pictures so we can have a look at what you have. You just may be doing more harm than good . If you decide to go ahead with this project please follow Bills' advice and stay away from the epoxy too.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Glad you guys mentioned that i did not think of it
Thanks

There is also a site that deals in older boo rods They may know how much it is worth Not that thse guys will not know
[classicflyrodforum.com]

Bill - willierods.com

Jon. shoot me a Pm and we can talk. Bamboo restoration/repair is a lot of what i do. I can walk you through the whole thing if you want. Just don't rip it apart yet.

Thanks for all the help! I got the rods on Sunday and have yet to open up the cases. There are three rods, which I believe are pretty beat up but I'm not to sure. I will post pictures later tonight..

Open up the cases make sure they are dry Been in them for a long time

Bill - willierods.com

Here are a few pictures... They seem to all be "South Bend" rods, don't know much about them but doing my research they seem to be nothing to special. Would still be fun to clean them up for him, I know he would love it. They have product numbers on it, I'll make sure not to scratch those off, would varnish stripper be ok with these rods?