Rod Building 101

erik I might be intrested if you held a class as well would this be like A one day semanar or a mutli day thing?  If it was a one day thing and it was on a day that I dont work I would love to make the trip up for it.

I'd be interested in Erik's seminar.  
It sounds like fun.

I'm interested as well, preferably after a morning of fishing.  

-Allen

Be nice for a post fort ross diversion, complete with fried rockfish and abalone.

Erik,

If this Rod Rack lesson blows out, I'd be interested in coming up to take a lesson.

The Rod Rack may be a little more closer to many members here however.

Johnathan,

Let us know what  you find.

O.K.  I just spoke to the guy at the Rod Rack.  He gives lessons twice a year, Spring and Fall.  Limited to six, his selection is based upon first six email inquiries.  $60.00 for three lessons given on consecutive Monday evenings.  He didn't mention any pending event.  He runs a part-time buisness, which explains the odd store hours and spotty messege responses, so I suspect he will offer the lessons when he feels like he has time for it - don't hold your breath.

OK... I'd be willing to do some lessons and I'm in the process of putting together an outline for a 3-4 hour Rodbuilding 101 class.

I could probably accomodate 5 or 6 people in my garage / shop.

A number of you have expressed interest... since I'm in Santa Rosa and most of you are in the immediate bay area, I'm thinking a Saturday afternoon or evening might work best.  I think we could cover enough information in 3 or 4 hours to make it very worth while.  

I would do the class for $45 per person, which includes the following kit of supplies to take home (plus any incidental supplies needed for the class):
- U-40 Rod Bond
- mixing sticks & mixing cups
- syringes
- brushes
- flexcoat light rod finish
- a spool of blue nylon thread & a spool of metallic gold thread
- a 1 oz bottle of color preserver
- a thread bobbin
- A burnishing tool, clippers, and thread pick
- the Flex Coat book "how to build rods step by step"

The class would not allow time to actually construct a rod in class, but we would have time to practice and observe demonstrations of the fundamental techniques and even some of the more advanced techniques and principles.

Thoughts? Interest?  Suggested Dates?

Erik

Well, I guess that leaves it open for Erik. Would it take 3 consecutive lessons to learn how? I'm game, anybody else?

except for Saturday 4/16

Well, I guess that leaves it open for Erik. Would it take 3 consecutive lessons to learn how? I'm game, anybody else?

I think we could cover enough in a single 3 - 4 hour seminar to cover the basics and then some.  It won't be enough time to perfect everything... but it will be enough to get the gist of the various processes and principles to get you started on your own without falling prey to some of the common pitfalls.

Later on, if there is interest in a more advanced class, we can talk about that... when I say more advanced, I'm talking about things like advanced thread art techniques, grip inlays, in-depth spiral guide placement methods, etc.

Also, for whoever is interested, if you know what type of rod you want to build for your first project, I can work with you to put together a component kit that you can pick up at the class.  Making one order for all of the class supplies and anything else people want will save money on shipping and make it more affordable for everyone.

Erik