From this point forward, the rod build is not unlike assembling a graphite rod. The next step in the process is to install all the necessary hardware, starting with the reel seat.

We chose an up-locking nickel silver reel seat with a maple burl spacer from REC. This unit comes unassembled, so we must glue the parts together:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12359&g2_serialNumber=2">

I typically start by applying several coats of Tru-Oil to the spacer, allowing at leat 1 hour between coats, to bring it to a high gloss:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12356&g2_serialNumber=1">

Next I rough up the interior surfaces of the nickel silver components to ensure proper adhession of the epoxy:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12362&g2_serialNumber=1">

Using high grade 2-part epoxy, I carefully glue all parts together:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12365&g2_serialNumber=1">

After sufficient set time for the epoxy, I prepare the bamboo butt section for the reel seat. Using a file, I round the bamboo edges until it accepts the reel seat snugly, but not too tight. We don't want the glue to be squeezed out during the install:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12368&g2_serialNumber=1">

While some makers like to assemble their own cork grips from 1/2" "blanks", I typically buy my grips pre-assembled, opting for only the finest flor grade cork. Although there are many choices in the grip shape, I prefer the "standard" look.

Using a rat tail file, I ream out my cork grip to slide up from the tip of the butt section to the reel seat. You have to use care to make sure the tip of the cork is not over-reamed so much that a ugly gap will show even with a winding check in place. I usually use shrink wrap on the cork before this process to keep it from getting dirty:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12350&g2_serialNumber=1">

Finding the spine of a rod is a lot easier than some make it out to be. Placing the butt end of our section against the toe of my shoe, I gently press the tip of the section. This causes the section to curve in one direction. I place masking tape on the outward convex, as this will be the "weak" flat on which the guides will be installed.

To make sure the reel seat is installed at the right angle, I clamp my butt section to a table before I glue the reel seat in place. The reel seat is pushed on until it firmly meets the end of my butt section. A reel frame helps me make sure things are "square" while the glue sets:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12371&g2_serialNumber=1">

Next I measure the cork grip against the blank, make a pencil mark, and apply epoxy from this point up to the reel seat:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12421&g2_serialNumber=1">

I use a cotton swab to remove any excess glue before the final push to seat the cork firmly against the reel seat. I add a properly sized nickel silver hex winding check with a drop of epoxy:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12377&g2_serialNumber=1">

After the epoxy sets, the three sections will be ready for wrapping:
<img src="http://www.flyfishinginmaine.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12380&g2_serialNumber=1">

Joel, I see you've put one of those insidious "Fly Fisherman" renewal notices to good use!

This has been a great series...thank you.

Jeff

Thanks, Jeff. Great usename!

Wow! The whole process is so interesting! I have never cast a cane rod and am in no position to go out and purchase one but in reading this series I may become a convert.

Thanks Joel- good stuff. ( I'd fuzz out my address of that envelope if it were me)

Alaskibum- Superboo is free (and in 3 weeks), and there are a LOT of nice rods to cast...beware if you do, as it can become addictive.

Hutch

Yeah, Joel--maybe fuzz out your address from that envelope? You can take the Christmas tree down too--it's almost February. And it's Ok to put all the empties back on the table.

bb

Good eyes, Hutch & Joe. I never would have picked that up, but then again, in the words of Sponge Bob Squarepants, "Well, I'm a little slow sometimes!" You guys don't miss anything...

Re: "Take down the tree..." Nah, I'll just throw a sheet over it for another year. I hate those dam things, but the women in my life always shame into putting one up.

And no beer until glue-up of components has been completed, Joseph. I make enough mistakes while sober.

Altaskibum,
Thanks for the kind words! Heed Hutch's advice about Superboo if you want to learn about cane fly rods. I guarantee you'll be very impressed with the casting qualities of a finely made bamboo fly rod. Be very careful, though...While a bamboo habit may be slightly less expensive than a recreational drug habit, it's no less addictive! Right, Joseph?

joel

No, Joel, a bamboo rod habit is actually more expensive than a recreational drug habit, or it can be. On the bright side, when I'm dead, Mrs. Bearbutt can sell the rods for decent money, and since she knows what I paid for them--it's dangerous not to tell the truth when it comes to bamboo--she knows one way or another that the money's mostly coming back. Except, of course, for the few rods that will go to good causes.

bb

ps you have 76,973,242,000 trees in Maine and you have to add to the clutter by buying an artificial one? Since you like to throw a long line, why not just throw the lights over a live tree outside?

Can I get first dibs on the Young Perfectionist?

Ohhhh- Martha Marie is gonna be really disappointed to know she's been stood up!

Well I think I might block off my scedule for superboo. I was planning on going last year but just got caught up at work. I really should head into the office on that saturday as well but I am pretty flexible. However I am gonna have to work a lot of saturdays before I will be able to purchase a cane rod. What time should I be there? And how do I get in on the raffle for that rod? Great series! I check back often just looking for the next post.