repair split section of a bamboo flyrod

Question
QUESTION: I have a  3 piece 7' 3-4wt bamboo fly rod the lower 10"  of the middle section is smashed. I have removed the male ferrule and the guide I plan to cut the bad out and put the ferrule back on however the next 10" or so the individual strands of bamboo are coming unglued. My question is can i simply glue these back together and bind it, if so what glue should i use? I have built and repaired 10 or so graphite fly rods but never any bamboo.

ANSWER: Hi Matt,

Yes, you can glue them back together.  Remove the female ferrule as well and separate the strips...make sure you keep them in order.

Use a good waterproof glue like Resorcinol on the strips.  Clean them good and remove any dirt, grit and old glue still adhering to the surfaces.  Glue them, assemble them, bind them and let them dry good.  Do not use this glue inside the house if you wish to preserve your marriage.  Once dry, remove the binding and clean up the blank.  A light sanding with 600 grit paper may be needed.  Refinish the blank and reinstall the ferrules.

Reinstall the guides you wish to use and you should be good.

You might also look at the flea markets for a mid section that you can use to replace the broken one.  Cutting down a slightly longer mid section is an easier job than what you have planned.

Thanks,  Joe


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Joe I appreciate it. Where will I find Resorcinol? Do I also use this glue for the ferrules? The middle section is smaller in diameter now so i was going to bush it out with masking tape so the ferrule would fit snug, like on a cork handle ok ya?

Answer
Hi Matt,

It's a DAP product so likely the hardware store near you will have it.  If not try Home Depot, Lowes, and paint stores.

No, do not use this glue for the ferrules.  Get some tiptop adhesive from any rod builders supply house and use that.  It has a high enough melting point to not fail in use or in storage in your car trunk, but a low enough melting point to allow you remove and replace the ferrules when you need to without damaging the rod shaft.

I would not use masking tape.  It would possibly work, but I would use thread wraps to build it out.  You can use heavier thread (D or E) to make a thick wrap.

Good luck.   Joe