Question Concerning Bamboo Fly Rod Restoration

Question
Mr. McGaughey,

I would appreciate your advice concerning books that I can purchase through which I can learn and practice restoring bamboo fly rods and fly rod reels.

Over the years I have collected about 40 bamboo fly rods, mostly common brands and models, and reels in various conditions.  I will be retiring in less than a year and am looking forward to learning how to restore these fly rods and reels as a retirement project.  I currently have only one book on the topic, Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair.  While it is very useful concerning the different brands and models of rods produced it does not provide me with the knowledge of how to either partially or completely restore these rods.  

One of the books noted in the reference section of this book was The Fine Bamboo Fly Rod by Stuart Kirkfield.  I looked on Amazon and found that the book is out of print and that copies in good condition were selling for $175.00

Is this a must have book for my purposes and or can you also recommend other books that could help me.

You can reach me at:  [email protected]

Any suggestions of reference material that I can purchase would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,


Harvey Scott


Answer
Harvey,
Maybe you have an old copy of Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair before Mike put in the restoration instructions, check pages 26 - 50 .

I have Kirkfields book and it is great, 149 on half.com. I waited, shopped and paid $75 several years ago. I have spoken to the author , it is out of print and he has no plans to reprint it.

Try HOW TO REFINISH BAMBOO RODS STEP BY STEP Author: Artie Hebert
Price: around $20 , Cabelas has it http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/0036466620908a.shtml
so does shofftackle.com
I have seen it and is a good start.

There isn't much more on the subject. I have spent some time looking and still have my ear to the ground.

My bibliology on rod building and restoration http://www.geocities.com/macsrods/ResourceListRodBuilding.htm

I also offer classes in Denver on the subject. Maybe a fishing trip and a couple of days for a class is in order . [email protected]

Rodmakers list serve  http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/dirs.html (the virtual community of bamboo fly rod makers) has allot of rod restorers on it.  

Luck,
Mac

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