state of the craftsmanshit address #10 - early '12

usually clearing the bench meant something different than it currently does

that doesn't make much sense, but I will try to clarify

what I mean by clearing the bench is getting all the rods in production 

off the bench and indoors for wrapping and finish work

this takes place in april normally as soaring temperatures

make it impractical and uncomfortable to work outside in the garage

well, this year I had to clear the bench in january

over the course of building 35 rods I've been using borrowed planing forms

for which I'm eternally grateful as it saved me a considerable chunk of money

well, the owner asked for them back 

and I was obliged to return them

thanks matt - I appreciate all your help over the years

and I bit the bullet and dumped nearly a grand into some new forms

and a "back-up" set I don't necessarily need

but the price was right and I wanted to help out a buddy

and I'll be able to pay it forward

again as I feel obligated to

should I get the opportunity to teach someone how to do this

should they be inclined to learn how

I like that

anyways,  it's been two weeks now since I ordered

and I'm still awaiting delivery

and anticipating it every week day

perhaps today's the day

which explains why there is no rodbuilding going on around here lately

there are two rods awaiting components

those are ferrules and reel seat hardware

for those of you who do not know that

I guess they'll be included w/ the planing forms

I will not be building anymore rods for myself

at least for a while

and by rods I mean finished rods

I will continue to do what I call the prep work

aka grunt work

to experiment w/ new of different tapers

but when it comes to finishing the rod

it ain't gonna happen

until I can justify spending $200 to finish the rod

for something I simply do not need

I've got two rods to finish for other guys

two unferruled blanks for myself

which won't be finished until who knows when

and a clear bench