Hand wrapping guides on bamboo fly rods

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Here is a little video showing how I hand wrap guides on my bamboo fly rods. I don’t use a standard rod wrapper with a tensioner. Instead, I hand wrap using a fly tying bobbin to hold the thread. I use Pearsall’s Gossimer 6/0 Silk Thread on all my rods. Going slow and packing thread frequently is the key to getting great wraps. I spend about 30 to 40 minutes on each guide. So, I’ve sped up the video in the middle to shorten it up. Enjoy!

9 thoughts on “Hand wrapping guides on bamboo fly rods”

  1. Dave thank you for this video. As a bamboo maker myself I’m always looking for better ways to make my rods and this video has given me a new technique to try. I currently use the Flex Coat wrapper but I can see that your technique gives a person a lot more control. I will try this on my current build an 8′ Payne 102 5wt. Thanks again for sharing.
    Mike

    • Hi Mike,

      I’m glad my video helps other builders out. When I started building graphite rods back in the 70’s, I used the same bobbins I used in my fly tying and everything seemed to work fine. And I’ve always felt I could control thread tension and position more effectively when I do it by hand.

      Good Luck,

      Dave

  2. Dave,
    Thanks,
    I have been working on a Garrison Trout Rod and my next step was to wrap the Guides to begin finishing. This video showed up just at the right time for me.
    Much appreciated. Keep the info flowing for those of us less experienced in the Art.
    Larry

    • Hi Larry,

      I’m glad you enjoyed the rod wrapping video. Don’t hesitate to check back with me if you have any other questions or thoughts as you work through your rod building process. I’m happy to offer suggestions and advice.

      Dave

  3. It works. I took the tensioner off my homemade wrapper and will now use bobbins. I fortunitely had a cheap bobbin that fit the pear sills spools. I always had trouble with the first wrap. Your video solved that in the first try. The tension is always there with the bobbin weight and a rubber band brake to keep the rod from back spinning. Thx

    • Hi Lynn,

      Thanks for the message and feedback. I’m glad my wrapping techniques work for you. I tend to go slower when I use my “thread in a bobbin”, but the quality of my wraps come out much, much better. I’m sure yours will also. Best of luck, and good rod building!

      Dave

  4. Thank you for the fine video. I’m just starting out at the ripe young age of 60 and have several bamboo rods purchased years ago that I want to repair a few guides on and use the rods again. Not pretty but in good used condition. I do have one minor problem maybe you could help me with. I need a reel seat for a 1950’s Montague rod with a .8125 ID down locking. The old one cracked on the threaded section. The butt of the bamboo is seated in a wooden dowel with .815 ID. Searching for reel seat….

    • Hi Gary,

      Thanks for the post. I don’t think I have anything that fits your need but the guys who do a lot of bamboo rod refurbishing can probably help you out. I only build new rods. There is a great bamboo fly rod forum, http://www.classicflyrodforum.com, that would be a great place for you to look if you cannot find anyone who does refurbishing. There are several different pages on the forum, including one on rod making, repairs, and restorations. If you post the same text that you posted to me, I’m sure you’ll get quite few replies from guys who can help you out.

      Best of Luck,

      Dave

  5. Thank you Dave. Sorry for the length of time to reply. I’ll try the forum site.

    Thanks again!

    Gary

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