Another Casting for Recovery Rod

The southwest council FFF has issued a rod building challenge to any SWCFFF club and their members. The rods would be use at Casting for Recovery  So .Cal. at their retreats. 

The rules were simple: 

1. Build a 9’, 5wt 4 piece rod, supply a rod tube and donate it for the challenge.  

2. Build the rod to CFR theme. There must be a bit of pink somewhere on the build.

I found an old Fisher blank with spigot ferrules in the back corner my blank storage closet, and thought perfect. It was a moderate action blank, which would load easily and be great for a beginner. 

I thought a pink wrap with a metallic purple inlay on the would carry out the CRF theme but the combination was to much for my taste. I ended up using a chestnut color thread , which matched the beautiful chestnut color of the blank and used color fast pink thread as the inlays.  I think it turned out beautiful and carried the theme through out the rod.

The last step was to add a small pink ribbon under the reel seat for a little extra “mojo” in the rod.

Here are some pics of the finished rod.

It was a fun project and I had fun developing the "pink" CFR theme.

Dennis

FEATHER INLAYS - Step by Step

Step #1:  Choose your feathers from the supply you have.  As you can see, I've got plenty to choose from!

Step #2 - Feathers Picked.  These feathers were selected for the design I had in mind.  

Step #3 - First feather applied after being soaked in a 50/50 solution of Color Preservative and water.  The CP acts as an adhesive for the feathers.  This feather is a Jungle Cock Flank Feather. 

Step #4 - Make sure that the first feather is thoroughly dried before applied the next feather, or this may cause the first feather to shift position.  This is vital for all steps!!!  After drying, the second feather is applied, again using the CP/Water solution.  This feather is an Amhurst Collar.

Step #5 - Again, after drying (this is vital), the Amhurst Flank Feather is applied.

Step #6 - After drying (again, I can't stress how important this is), the Peacock Pheasant Eye is applied.

Step #7 - After drying (I really can't state this too much), a pair of Jungle Cock Eyes are applied

Step #8 - After drying (see a theme about the drying yet?), a second pair of Jungle Cock Eyes are applied.

Step #9 - After drying (last time about the drying), a flex coat is applied, and this is what you end up with!

I hope this helps you out with your multi-feather inlay attempts.  It took me more than once to get this technique perfected, so be patient and keep practicing.  And remember beauty is in the imperfections of an object! 

3/22/14