After over ten years and about 2 hundred fly rods I'm
finally putting my old wrapping stand out to pasture. It did everything I
ask it to do but was not very attractive. Some pressboard covered with wood
grain vinyl. A velcro strap to hold the blank and 2 thread
tension devices (both the same). Very utilitarian but not a thing of
beauty.
It is being replaced by a home made one, constructed of
Afzelia burl which has some modifications from its predecessor. Two types
of thread tension devices, one which acts on the thread, the other
which acts on the spool (much better for silk tread). The blank is held by
elastic bands rather than the velcro, brass post are more optimally located
for better thread angles and it is 3" longer.
This is what customization is all about. Improving the
functionality of an item and making it a one of a kind thing of beauty. I
don't know if the rods I wrap on the new stand will be any better than those
with the old wrapper, but so far I've enjoyed working on the new wrapper much,
much more than the old one.
It's like fishing with an off the rack cookie
cutter rod vs. a custom rod.
Remember, TOOLS CAN BE BEAUTIFUL!!
A special thanks to Mike for his help.
