Rod Building/Tackle Expo's

[R-U- Wet Yet]

Hi to all,
First post on here... have recently been researching rod building and was wondering if there are any expo's or trade shows worth going to?...
Bit hard to get to any classes etc as I live in small mining town near Rockhampton, Qld.... Also interested in matagi products if anyone knows where they can be sourced in Oz??.... thanks, Robbie

[Owen]

Robbie,
Nothing dedicated to rod building here in Oz that I'm aware of.
Not sure how many people building rods in Rocky, but theres a couple of us in Gladstone. If you're down this way, you're welcome to poke your nose in.
Ross from Rodworks has Matagi gear.

[R-U- Wet Yet]

Thanks for that Owen.... I'll be sure to do that (drop in ) sometime..... I see in some other threads you might be on the look out for some timber for handles etc.... I have some mango tree boards here that might dress up ok....cut the tree down some 10 yrs ago... sliced it up and have stored it in the shed ever since... you're welcome to a couple of boards if you want.... anyway..thanks again for the invite.... cool site... lots of info.... heaps to take in....

[sandyd]

Robbie

We will organise a Rod Building week-end when we get back from the USA as there is another person from Blackwater who maybe interested in coming as well.

I am interested also in Storchy's split butt and winding check and having a closer look at them I think the work is really great. I have purchased a Matagi split grip set from Rodworks, nice little set up just have to start my rod to use it.

Anyway if you are interest in a week end in down town Gladstone let us know and we will organise it. We are not the greatest rod builders on earth but we know how to put a rod together and there are a couple of people who come to mind here that may just be interested in helping out.

[R-U- Wet Yet]

Morning Sandyd,
Yep... count me in...I have seen storchy's work and I have to say... it's even better than the pics show....I better be careful what I say... he might throw stones on my roof!!!....lol....seriously tho...they really are fantastic pieces....so good that I'm thinking of moving some of darling sweetheart's china out of the china cupboard and putting some of storchy's creations in there... ha ha ha...
Thanks again Sandyd...will keep in touch.....keen as for the weekend....
Robbie

[BenatCoffs]

Thanks for that Owen.... I'll be sure to do that (drop in ) sometime..... I see in some other threads you might be on the look out for some timber for handles etc.... I have some mango tree boards here that might dress up ok....cut the tree down some 10 yrs ago... sliced it up and have stored it in the shed ever since... you're welcome to a couple of boards if you want.... anyway..thanks again for the invite.... cool site... lots of info.... heaps to take in....

Owen, If you haven't seen Mango before then grab some, I reckon it would make some sensational looking grips. Mango gets a real nice wavy grain about it, similar to walnut.

[Mark Fisher]

I agree, get that Mango wood if you can. It comes up beautifully. Another easy one to find is Apricot wood. Stunning grain! About that Matagi Gear, Try Ross at the Rodworks in Adelaide or Simon Oakley at Oz Rodbuilders, The Australian Rod Company, Currajong QLD. Both stock Matagi gear.They really have some great componentry. Also try the Matgi site. I just finished a split grip with Matagi metal components and a gloss red seat.
(see at Rodbuilding.org/photos/members galleries/Mark Fisher.)
I haven't yet worked out how to attach photos to this site.

[R-U- Wet Yet]

Thanks Mark.. I've been speaking with Ross .... I'm looking at getting an order in soon.... just bought an alps lathe and a few bits and pieces... that mgo does come up a treat aye.... I've got a few more short bits I've collected over the years... black bean (very heavy).. New Guinea Rosewood... white cedar...red cedar.. rose mahogany...hairy oak.. so must gt off my butt and start turning a few things...Thanks once again for your advice... I have seen pictures of some of your work posted...and it is awesome!!!...

[Owen]

Can you blackwater guys email me with a few details on what you'd like to go through on a rod building weekend?
Just so we can try to organise benches and workspace.
It'd also help to know what gear you have available.

I would like some of that mango wood. Especially if its that well aged!

[R-U- Wet Yet]

Thanks Owen, I'll see if I can catch up with storchy tomorrow...I've been away for a few days.... No problem with the mango wood... I'll bring it with me when we come down... I've got some gear should be arriving this week... and unless the financial department quarantines it...I should have enough stuff to make a couple of rods...( if darling sweetheart is reading this...I only have enough stuff to make 1 rod...hmmmmmm....)....now I'll see if I can work the PM thingo on this hoosiwatszit...
cheers,
Robbie

[sandyd]

I've got some gear should be arriving this week... and unless the financial department quarantines it...I should have enough stuff to make a couple of rods...( if darling sweetheart is reading this...I only have enough stuff to make 1 rod...hmmmmmm....)....now I'll see if I can work the PM thingo on this hoosiwatszit...
cheers,
Robbie

Robbie what I would suggest to this comment is that you let your darling sweetheart come along and make one to, it would be good to have a female in the group, they learn quicker.

[sid_fishes]

they learn quicker???????give me a break. come on sandy get real, we all know that most guys build rods and so far i only know three ladies ,yourself, roz and marylou that do the job cheers ian

[DR]

they learn quicker???????give me a break. come on sandy get real, we all know that most guys build rods and so far i only know three ladies ,yourself, roz and marylou that do the job cheers ian

whoa, steady sid, over time there has been a lot of ladies i have known that can build rods & most do heaps neater work than most fellas

[sandyd]

they learn quicker???????give me a break. come on sandy get real, we all know that most guys build rods and so far i only know three ladies ,yourself, roz and marylou that do the job cheers ian

Ian took that one hook line and sink, not quite the person i expected to respond but any fish will do. Also not quite the reaction I would have expected from you either so it must be that time of the month, I can relate to that one.

But Ian being fair all I said is they learn quicker not how many build rods.
you just made my day thanks.

[sid_fishes]

i will say i,m sorry for the outburst and no offense was meant to anyone. what i will do now is take my foot out of my mouth take a deep breath and relax ...ian