Hoda Bamboo Rods Rod Building Process

Rod Building In the following I want to introduce you how we build bamboo split cane rods. Click on the pics. Choosing the perfect rod I enjoy working with each of my customers to create the perfect customized rod. Some of the many options and choices to be made are: length, line class, no of pieces, taper, blank color, type of reel seat, reel seat filler, grip length and shape, type and color of ferrules, stripping guide snake guides and so on. Culm selection, flaming, splitting I begin by selecting a suitable bamboo culm according to the nodal spacings and required density of power fibers, cutting it down to the right length, flaming it (if requested), and splitting it by hand. Straightening and rough cutting The nodes are one of the most crucial parts on a bamboo pole. For this reason I painstakingly hand straighten each split, first the part between the nodes, then the node itself. This enables me to better protect the power fibers and have them run continuously throughout the entire length of the rod. After which the strips are rough planed to a level tapered equilateral 60° triangle. Heat treating The rough planed strips of each rod section will be carefully bound together and heat treated in a hot air oven for a set time at a predetermined temperature. This increases the elasticity and stiffness of the bamboo at the same time permanently decreasing the moisture content. Final planing My planing forms are then precisely adjusted and the strips are hand planed down to their final tapered dimensions according to the selected taper. Gluing and binding I use a modern two-component epoxy resin to bond the strips together. After the epoxy is brushed on to the strips, they are once again bound together and heat cured in my hot air oven which greatly increases the strength of the epoxy. Blank straightening After the excess glue and binding string has been removed from the blank I straighten out any slight twists or bends. The straightened sections are then cut down to length and given a final sanding in preparation for mounting the ferrules on the lathe. Ferrule production and mounting If traditionally styled nickel silver ferrules are to be used they are then turned on my lathe from solid nickel silver bar stock (12%) and the tabs slit and tapered. The bamboo blank is then turned down to size at the ferrule stations and the ferrules glued on. Grip I use 1/4” thick rings of best quality flor grade cork or birch bark which are glued on to the blank. The grip will then be customized to your hand size and preferred shape. Reel seat I have a large variety of species of wood for your reel seat spacers. The wood will be turned, drilled and sanded on the lathe. The reel seat mortise will then be cut with a custom made cutter and several coatings of varnish applied which bring out the beauty and luster of each piece. I machine all of my own hardware from nickel silver material (12%). Wrapping The guide positions and sizes will then be calculated according to location of the ferrule. Using the best quality silk thread the selected snake and stripping guides will be wrapped on. Our standard wrapping silk colors are olive tipped dark red on blond or flamed rods, or simple but elegant dark red on flamed rods. I have many other silk colors in stock. Inscribing Inscriptions are done to your choice or our usual high standard. Varnishing The rod is then painstakingly dip varnished several times and finally hand polished. Final inspection Each completed rod is checked for quality and approved.

D. Hoda Salmenweg 5 CH-4323 Wallbach Tel.: +41 (0) 61 861 10 08 Email: daniel@hoda-bamboo-rods.ch