|
PAYMENT METHODS
Orders are currently being taken in 2012 for Split-Bamboo rod customization.
Accepted forms of payment:
US Postal money orders, Bank issued certified drafts and personal checks.
Those choosing to pay by personal check should note that most U.S. banks
impose a hold on funds period of 5 to 10 business days or until the item
is verified as having cleared and paid via your financial institution.
A Non-refundable deposit is required to initiate Split-Bamboo rod customization.
Balance is due upon completion to include shipping and required insurance fees.
For your convenience, a three (3) day inspection period
will be provided on all - New - custom fishing rod orders.
USED TACKLE POLICY
Payment in full is required in advance for used/vintage tackle purchases.
Hold period on personal checks applies (as above) upon deposit.
Please note:
Prices listed on used/vintage items - do not - include shipping/insurance fees.
Five (5) day inspection period provided on all used tackle items.
The time required to construct a Split-Bamboo fly rod may exceed beyond 75 'man hours' to completion,
depending upon the custom rod model or type being made. This equates to an average of 4 - 6 weeks of work
done at a reasonable pace, on a several-hours-per-day basis. I strive to finish and deliver all new fishing rods
to customers within eight (8) weeks, respectively. In some cases, it may take less time to meet this 60 day window
or potentially a bit longer in others based upon existing workload, impending orders and other related factors.
Each custom fishing rod is made one-by-one to completion with meticulous care and individual attention to detail
by the utilization of only hand tools. This adds a certain character and "personalized touch" to the fabrication.
Unlike others - I do not use a bevel-er, roughing mill or power tools of any type when roughing bamboo strips.
Hand-roughing bamboo strips is rather time-consuming and labor intensive - but vital to the preliminary stages
of the rod making process and will easily consume the better part of a full day's work or more to complete.
I have nothing against those who use machinery to expedite the manufacture of a custom Split-Bamboo fishing rod.
With that emphatically stated, it's important to say that the implied fabrication methods of which I've become
accustomed to over the course of time have enabled me to attain a high level of familiarity and self-satisfaction
with every custom rod produced. Each is 100% assembled by hand; from hand-splitting the raw bamboo culm
flaming and hand-roughing the strips, right down to the finite details of hand-planing each bamboo strip
to precise specifications and final dimensions.
Basic Steps to Construct a Split-Bamboo Rod
Rough Canework ( Elapsed process time for a 2 /2 Fly Rod )
1. Bamboo culm preparation.
a) measure and cut culm to required length for each rod section
b) hand file and sand exterior nodes Time required: 4 hrs.
2. Tempering.
a) apply flame to the culm sections for initial heat-treating
b) follow with a second application to achieve desired tone Time: 3 - 5 hrs.
3. Hand split sectioned culm into 18 to 24 strips.
a) separate strips by individual rod section
b) remove the internal nodal dam and square the strips
c) mark and bundle by respective section Time: 3 -4 hrs.
4. Select strips by individual section for type rod being made.
a) layout for node spacing
b) cut to desired length for roughing form Time: 2 hrs.
5. Heat and compress nodes.
a) straighten and square strips
b) sand exterior nodes again
c) re-bundle Time: 4 - 5 hrs.
6. Hand rough the strips per individual rod section in roughing form.
a) sharpen plane blades
b) create 60 degree equilateral triangle Time: 6 - 8 hrs.
7. Eradicate moisture content (final heat-treatment)
a) Place bundled strips in oven @ 350 degrees for 16 mins./section Time: 1 - 2 hrs.
Final Hand Planing
8. Dial-in/set individual taper dimensions for respective rod section on adjustable steel planing form.
a) re-sharpen plane blades
b) final hand planing per each section. Re-set dimensions, final planing - (repeat for 3 piece rod)
c) scrape and sand all strips to prepare for laminating Time: 8 - 10 hrs.
9. HollowBuild at this juncture - if specified. Time: 4 - 5 hrs.
10. Rod blank fabrication.
a) apply adhesive to laminate strips
b) send glued strips through binder
c) roll and straighten bound strips (blanks) to prevent sweeps/bends
d) hang laminated blanks to dry allow 24 - 48 hr. cure time Time: 3 - 4 hrs.
11. Scrape and sand rod blank surfaces to remove binder cord, adhesive material and enamel.
a) measure and cut blanks to required length
b) straighten rod sections with heat (if necessary) Time: 4 hrs.
Ferrules
12. Install ferrules.
a) measure and mark ferrule stations on rod sections.
b) size and turn respective ferrule stations to fit (by hand)
c) clean all internal ferrule parts thoroughly
d) crown and feather ferrule tab serrations, clean again
e) glue and install ferrules allow 24 - 48 hour adhesion time Time: 3 - 5 hrs.
13. Lap & fit ferrules. (female to male slide) Time: 1 hr.
Rod Finishing Steps
14. Varnish and finish preparation.
a) sand and prep blanks, clean dust free
b) initial hand-rubbed varnish base coat (allow 2-3 days drying time)
c) light sanding, clean dust free
d) repeat Time: 3 - 4 hrs.
15. Install hardware ie; reel seat, cork grip, winding check, etc.
a) synch and "spine" the rod.
b) affix tip-top guide to tip section(s) Time: 2 hrs.
16. Determine guide spacing. Time: 1 hr.
17. Attach line guides and hand-wrap all thread windings. Time: 6 - 10 hrs.
18. Coat/seal all thread windings.
a) "Opaque" wraps; apply 2 coats of CP to thread windings.
- apply 4-6 coats of marine spar polyurethane (2 coats per day)
b) "Transluscent" wraps; 6-8 applications of diluted polyurethane solution.
- (2 coats per day) allow 12-24 hours between each two-coat application.
c) Ink the rod - (personalization inscription) allow 24 hrs. Time: 6 hrs.
19. Final coats of marine spar urethane. Allow 7-10 days for finish to "semi-cure".
(full cure time for most varnish/urethane products is typically 2-3 months) Time: 4 hrs.
20. Final rod inspection.
21. Package and ship to customer.
Go fishing with your New custom rod !
* This basic overview outlines primary steps and not all the "intricate" details in Split-Bamboo rod fabrication.
HandCrafted with Pride in the U.S.A.
Tel. (303) 946.3451 | 
how to order
