It’s been a hectic stretch in the shop (hence the relative lack of posts here lately) but Junior and I took a day during the Thanksgiving break to work on a little side project that we’ve been planning for a while. I’ll spill more about it later but in the meantime I thought I’d leave this photo as a little hint. One the left is a form tool that was made by a friend of Jim Payne’s during the 1940′s and which I use to make acorn caps to go on some of my reel seats. I’ve always loved the way these look and this gives you a pretty clear idea of how they’re machined. More to come later!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Marc -
You always impress me! This video on manufacturing grip caps is very interesting as are the tools in your shop. The even and measured pace of making these beauties is also a statement about you and your products.
I also read with great interest your recent re-cap of 2011 giving credit to everyone but yourself. Expressing gratitude for what you and your company accomplished in a difficult year. I think your website is fresh, informative and visually stunning. Congrats to whomever does that.
You may recall my writing earlier. I am the guy with a newly repaired Achilles tendon that has been laid-up for several months. I started walking on crutches about 4 weeks ago, then graduated to a cane with a special shoe (left one and I am right handed). Since last week, I dropped use of the cane and special shoe. Best Christmas ever! So I have a sense of accomplishment too. And yes, business is tough right now. But I look forward to a strong 2012. I am feeling fine, and will be able to fish when the season opens!
I read – as much as I could – the Gary Garrison & Hoagy Carmichael book on Rod Making. Mostly to learn what goes into the process. I have no interest in attempting this highly skilled art form on my own. I was overwhelmed. I indirectly know Hoagy B. and try to read everything by him on fly fishing that I can. Including his first volume book on the Grand Cascapedia River. In one article, I read where he is using 11′ single handed fly rods in the larger pools. Could these be Bamboo? Do you ever make anything this long? What can you recommend for 2 compatible rods, made by you, for this locale? I would judge that I am a Hunt Pattern fisherman and would like everything in 3-piece plus a spare tip configuration.
Keep up the good work!!!!
Hi Michael – thanks for the kinds words and a most speedy recovery to you!
Yes, I certainly recall your writing and if you’d ever like to talk salmon rods further don’t hesitate to drop me a line by email ([email protected]). I don’t make anything in 11′ nor would I really recommend it in bamboo single-handers (there are a few people making two-handed bamboo rods in lengths like that, and with various degrees of success).
I hope you’ve got some good fishing plans in the works. Between waiting out the winter and the injuries, I think we’ve earned it!
-Marc
How about a video showing how you make them. We would love it!!!