World Rod Project

[Owen]

This project started out as a bit of a joke on another forum.
Several of us were commenting about the fantastic work done by a few builders and someone else chimed in and said "hey wouldn't it be cool if we got a bunch of builders to do their specialty on one rod"

So the "World Rod Project" was born.

Batson Enterprises put their hand in their pocket and donated the rod components. Not just any components either. This is all A grade stuff!

Jim L. (another rod builder from Texas) put his hand up to cover the freight costs around the world.

Mark Blabaum (U.S.A) was commissioned as the only choice for a set of wood handles. (Pictured)

I have the almost overwhelming task of doing a weave in the split grip area.
I have to say, it's going to going to be impossible to over shadow them, but I'm excited just to be invited to put my work beside these guys.
Hey, even the most gorgeous set of bum cheeks has an arsehole between them
I've started a dummy run of the weave to make sure I'm happy with all the colours and layout before I commit thread to this baby.

From me it will go to Jorge Pozzobon in Brazil to do a cross wrap.
This guy is incredible with thread! Precision with a capital P.

From there it goes back to the U.S.A for Doc Ski to weave his magic and apply the finishing touches.

Then it will be raffled off at the West Coast Custom Rod Show with the proceeds going to charity.

This will be a long term project, but I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Tickets may well be available online in the end, so stay tuned.

Here's some pics of Mark's work so far.

[Adam_G]

Amazing work. If the eventual winner of it actually used it you would have to have money on an esky landing on it on the first outing. Irriplaceable.

[Mark Fisher]

Mate that's a real honor for you and I know you will produce something incredible. Mark's handles are really going to be hard compete with although I wouldn't worry about that. Do what you do best and show the Yanks how to do it!


Best wishes
Mark

[dogsbody]

Look forward to seeing the end product Owen. I think you'll do the rod justice mate.

Dave

[Knighty]

Hi Owen
what are you going to weave? Red back
By the way great honnor and well deserved

Tony

[splashy]

Awesome idea! Congrats and well done. That's great. Would love to see some final pics and know how much $$$ is raised...

[Owen]

Hi Owen
what are you going to weave? Red back
By the way great honnor and well deserved

Tony

Mine will be a funnel web spider in attack mode.
Might add something else if I have time.

[Owen]

I've started the dummy run.
Here's a couple of pics of the progress so far.

There could only be one subject after Mark's titanic effort.
I'm in two minds as to whether it should be in portrait or lanscape view. I'll decide when this one is done before I do the real deal.

[PinHead]

that is awesome Owen...incredible how the net brings people with similar interests. Unheard of not too many years ago.
Well done.

[Owen]

t...incredible how the net brings people with similar interests. Unheard of not too many years ago.

You got that right.
The great thing about the rod building fraternity is their selflessness.
Lots of guys that do great work, but may not build rods for a living are giving away their skills and time for things like building a rod for a returned or wounded soldier, or even taking them fishing.

We don't think about it much here, but there are thousands of the poor bastards in the U.S. that came home from Iraq & Afghanistan in pieces.

I hate to even contemplate what life for me without a leg or arm would be like.

[BarraBandit]

I am with you 100% Owen. I dont know how I would live with it... You really feel bad for the blokes who go over there to serve their country and come back a mess. I hope the winning bids money goes to the right charity.

We all know what a great job you will do, and there is nobody better for the job.

Wish we could also bid online... I am guessing I would'nt have the money that it will get up to, but atleast I would know where the rod came from, what it ment, and where the money was going. I really hope this goes off with no hitches.

Good luck mate, and good luck to everyone else involved.

[txlady]

Mine will be a funnel web spider in attack mode.
Might add something else if I have time.

Owen..I think the Funnel Web Spider in attack mode is great !!....I think if you had the time, adding a saltwater crocodile would be totally awesome !!

Can't wait to see the finished spider !!..


MaryLou..

[Lovey80]

That is simply awesome! I want those woodworking skills.

Cheers

Chris

[Owen]

Wish we could also bid online... I am guessing I would'nt have the money that it will get up to,

BB,
The rod will be raffled, not auctioned, so how much money you have won't be an issue.
I'm pretty sure we'll be able to organise online tickets, but that's not my department.

[Owen]

Here's a progress pic.
The test run is finished, just have to put the CP on and roll and pack it to close up a few threads that are out of line.
The CP helps "glue" them into place and the rolling flattens the threads and helps close any gaps.
Normally you don't show anyone this part because you can see the mistakes
I thought some of you may be interested in how a weave progresses.

I'll be making a few minor ,mods to the pattern before it goes on the World Rod.
Just to add some definition to a couple of spots and make it easier to tighten in one area.