On Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:57:48 +0100, "Derek"
wrote:


"DerekO" wrote in message
...
I recently ran across a bamboo rod in a second hand store. Can anyone
tell me if they are still good? It seemed to have some good action.
I was just unsure of buying it, using it and having it break. Anyone
with any experience?

Its been a while since I had my last remaining cane rod out on the river so
can I offer a couple of tips- first assemble the rod and slowly pull the
tip round to 90degrees all the while listening for any tell tale a)creaking
or heaven forfend b)cracking that may indicate a) the glue is giving up or
b) the fibres that give cane its strength are getting dry if its ok to 90
degrees then gently try another 20degrees

I wouldn't do that, even if it has intermediate wraps, and definitely
not if doesn't have them. If the glue fails, esp. the tip, it could be
damaged if not ruined. If you are _at all_ concerned about the glue
(esp. if you know the rodmaker had glue issues), wrap painter's tape
(_not_ regular "masking" tape, but the blue or green "delicate finish"
type or other similar delicate surface-safe tape) around the tip section
at 2-3"/5-6cm intervals and _gently_ flex it a few times. Tape the
remaining sections at about 6-8"/12-15cm intervals and tape the
ferrule/cane joint. Assemble the rod and gently flex it against
something like a mattress or padded, carpeted floor. _Gradually_
increase the amount of flex.

TC,
R

look for discolouration around the
ferrules where damp may have got in . Examine before bending the rod and
after for any set in the rod i.e. sagging to indicate it is getting tired,
an old rod can very quickly take a set under that kind of load. As another
post says if its not silly money then they are fun to use though the action
seems painfully slow compared to boron or graphite.
Last time out with my 3 piece Manifold rod on a still water (the Manifold
is a very small river ion the edge of Staffordshire and Derbyshire
http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/7467649.jpg ) I struck into a 2
1/2lb pound rainbow way bigger than the rod was intended to handle and
spent a heart stopping 25 minutes playing it to a standstill wondering if
the 50 year old bamboo would last the race after that I polished it and put
it away safely to enjoy another day.
Derek W
Cheshire UK