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bamboo rod
Jul 20, 2021 21:01:55   #
hogleg Loc: Bakersfield Calif.
 
I have a bamboo fly rod that was my dads it was made in the 50s i have not use it since 2000 when my dad passed. I would like to show my son how to use it but i am worried about it may have dried out and it brittle any help on what i can use to help it ? i was thinking linseed oil or some thing like it how about DMSO its a lite oil looking for help don't want it to break it . I still remember the feel of the rod.

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Jul 20, 2021 21:35:51   #
Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.
 
I dont know if it would help bamboo or not but we do use mineral oil for all of our cutting boards, we season them 2-3 times a month and it keeps them from cracking and keeps them waterproof.I don't see how it hurt it.

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Jul 20, 2021 21:43:22   #
Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.
 
hogleg wrote:
I have a bamboo fly rod that was my dads it was made in the 50s i have not use it since 2000 when my dad passed. I would like to show my son how to use it but i am worried about it may have dried out and it brittle any help on what i can use to help it ? i was thinking linseed oil or some thing like it how about DMSO its a lite oil looking for help don't want it to break it . I still remember the feel of the rod.


If you can find Spar varnish in oil the good old stuff. Clean the rod with tsp real well!! And putting 2 or 3 coats applied. Spar Varnish has fish oil in it if can find it. I'm a paint contractor from the old school.!!
Good luck hope you can find it if not use Tung oil if you can find that.
Good fishing and safe trips on the water
Andy
Bassman

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Jul 20, 2021 22:14:04   #
Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio
 
I recently had the pleasure to see a buddy’s old bamboo fly rod . He inherited it from his grandfather.
I’m guessing 40s or 50s also guessing it was around a 5 wt
I could tell by looking at it that it had been well used.
Handle worn and some guides had been replaced . Most likely by grandpa.
Some of the wrapping was pretty crude and really needed redone
Overall the blank condition wasn’t too bad.
Needed a refinish with spar varnish ( whoever posted this recommendation , thanks )
I fit it up and was surprised by the weight. I was expecting heavier . It wasn’t light like today’s space age materials , but definitely usable with a little repair work. It actually felt pretty good in my hand
This guy is probably the most non fishing guy I know.
I told him he should hang it on the wall kinda conversation piece and remember grandpa.
I Even got him a period correct reel with appropriate patina from EBay.

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Jul 20, 2021 22:37:04   #
Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.
 
Ben Bragg wrote:
I recently had the pleasure to see a buddy’s old bamboo fly rod . He inherited it from his grandfather.
I’m guessing 40s or 50s also guessing it was around a 5 wt
I could tell by looking at it that it had been well used.
Handle worn and some guides had been replaced . Most likely by grandpa.
Some of the wrapping was pretty crude and really needed redone
Overall the blank condition wasn’t too bad.
Needed a refinish with spar varnish ( whoever posted this recommendation , thanks )
I fit it up and was surprised by the weight. I was expecting heavier . It wasn’t light like today’s space age materials , but definitely usable with a little repair work. It actually felt pretty good in my hand
This guy is probably the most non fishing guy I know.
I told him he should hang it on the wall kinda conversation piece and remember grandpa.
I Even got him a period correct reel with appropriate patina from EBay.
I recently had the pleasure to see a buddy’s old b... (show quote)

Hi Ben
I'm a painter from the old school been refinishing for 35yrs.
Hope the fishing has been going good for you .
Good fishing 🎣. And safe trips out on the water.
Andy
Bassman

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Jul 20, 2021 22:53:20   #
kyle1234 Loc: Roseville. Ca
 
I have an old "montague" bamboo rod. My dad gave it to me in 1948 when I was a little guy. I would never try to use it now and risk breaking it. It's a true keepsake I'm passing on to my boys.

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Jul 21, 2021 07:24:14   #
bucky buckner Loc: murrells inlet SC
 
hogleg wrote:
I have a bamboo fly rod that was my dads it was made in the 50s i have not use it since 2000 when my dad passed. I would like to show my son how to use it but i am worried about it may have dried out and it brittle any help on what i can use to help it ? i was thinking linseed oil or some thing like it how about DMSO its a lite oil looking for help don't want it to break it . I still remember the feel of the rod.


sounds like a wall hanger, buy him a new one, and give him that one for the wall.

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Jul 21, 2021 14:42:14   #
bobber22 Loc: Ocala, Florida
 
Spar varnish would crack and flake off with the very first bend of the rod.

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Jul 21, 2021 17:51:29   #
Cyclops313 Loc: Alabama
 
hogleg wrote:
I have a bamboo fly rod that was my dads it was made in the 50s i have not use it since 2000 when my dad passed. I would like to show my son how to use it but i am worried about it may have dried out and it brittle any help on what i can use to help it ? i was thinking linseed oil or some thing like it how about DMSO its a lite oil looking for help don't want it to break it . I still remember the feel of the rod.


Quite a few years back I went into a very exclusive (read expensive) fly shop and saw a selection of beautiful bambo rods. I asked the man behind the counter if I could hold one, and he said, “Sure.”
While holding the rod, I remarked on the beauty and feel. The salesman replied; “Yeah, but when you slam the car door on it it sounds just like the $15.00 job from Walmart.

Clearly I had encountered that most rare of salesman. A man of experience and judgement.

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Jul 21, 2021 19:40:35   #
HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts
 
bobber22 wrote:
Spar varnish would crack and flake off with the very first bend of the rod.


Spa varnish sure would wreck the rod👎

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Jul 21, 2021 22:07:05   #
Redduck Loc: NH, Maine, Mass
 
Look up on google in kittery Maine for bamboo fly rods. There is gentleman there would builds them and is a true expert. He fixed a bamboo rod that dates to 1920-30s for me at an incredibly reasonable price. He could refinish your rod as well as and rewindings etc. I just can’t remember his name. Brain fart sorry.
He also teaches small classes where you can build a bamboo flyrod

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Jul 22, 2021 06:07:36   #
james hsiang Loc: Maine
 
Both spar varnish and linseed oil get brittle over time, but I don't know if an exterior coating that if brittle would affect the overall flexibility of the bamboo rod. Redduck's advice seems like the best. Contact the Kittery, Maine via Google to get service from an expert. Jim

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Jul 22, 2021 10:00:39   #
Redduck Loc: NH, Maine, Mass
 
F.D Kretchman Rod company is guy I was referring to.
https://www.kretchmanflyrods.com/
Good Luck

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