Removing Set from a Bamboo Fly Rod: A Refurbishing Guide

Question
I am refurbishing an old 3 section, 9 ft., bamboo fly rod(circa mid-1930s). It was stored together in a horizontal manner. Each section has a mild set that I would like to remove before re-wrapping and finishing. Thoughts would be appreciated for the best and easiest way to do this. Rod builder is unknown.

Answer
Hi David,

This is a fairly easy fix.  You will need a heat gun or a hair dryer.  Clamp it into a vise so it blows the heat upward.  Use only the lowest heat setting.  Turn it on and pass each rod section back and forth through the heat flow.  As you are passing the rod section through the heat, hold it in both hands with one hand on each side of the set and gently bend the rod in the direction opposite the set.  Don't get the rod too hot.  Stop and check your progress every few seconds.  You may have to move your hands along the rod shaft in small increments to gently ease some of the curve out of the rod section.  Slow and easy, small steps and it will work.

My advice is to not expect to get the whole thing in one setting.  Remove some of the curve today and let the section sit over night.  Then remove a little more.  It is easier to judge the changes and to make sure the chnage is going to stay if you don't rush it too much.

Essentially, a set is caused by the power fibers on one side of the bamboo section being stretched slightly due to excessive stress or improper storage.  What you are doing is slowly stretching the fibers on the opposite side of the rod to match and return the rod to straight.  If you care for the rod properly, this fix will last a very long time.  

Let me know if this is not clear.

Thanks,  Joe