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Post by fluf on Jan 5, 2015 21:00:21 GMT
Not sure yet Harry, maybe a creel? LOL
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Post by fluf on Jan 6, 2015 16:42:06 GMT
Having problems getting the rods steamed over the kettle. So today I went to the local market in search of some steam producing machine. I came home with one of those hand held steam cleaners, and a length of tubing. The idea now is to put the willow rod in the tube, a soft plug of cloth in one end, and the steam nozzle in the other and give it a good blast of steam. Now whether this will work or not remains to be seen. But it's got to be better than holding the rod over and open top kettle. Stay tuned in for the next instalment folks.
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Post by springerman on Jan 7, 2015 17:15:30 GMT
Hi fluf, I can understand your frustration. I have been there. However, there is no quick way to make your own traditional wooden Tamo. Please, I am no craftsman, but enjoyed making my own. Two ways, finding a branch that will make a one piece net and the other finding a handle and attaching a "circle". Holly, Ash, Sycamore, being easily found. Second method I found easiest. No need to join up the two arms to make that circle, for one. I obtained some long Hazel & Willow whips of the right diameter, removed the bark and bent them into a circle, holding that shape with cable ties. I then placed it over an upturned bucket to keep its shape until it was seasoned. The handle may take a little longer to dry,being thicker. I was lucky as I had suitable material from my stick making. One thing I found was the circle can lose some shape if not completely seasoned. I cut some of mine in October/November and completed my fist net at the end of March. The ring may not have been fully seasoned as it did lose some shape. It went more oval than round. Simon and of course Seth have included much information which I am sure will help you. There is more on the Tenkara USA site forum. Good Luck. I have enjoyed using my net. Great piece of kit. Ian.
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Post by fluf on Jan 9, 2015 20:02:00 GMT
Thanks for the good advice Ian, I think the willow I obtained is too short and obviously too dry. Even a good 24 hour soak, and additional steaming didn't allow bending into a circle without the kinking. I've not given up, just delayed the manufacture.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2015 14:26:53 GMT
Jim, after wandering around the woods and finding nothing of interest, I have to admit to defeat. Decided that I have enough on with my spare time tying flies, so ordered one of these from Japan, not authentic I know but... Tenkara Net Link
Thoughts anyone ? Will do a report when it arrives. Ken.
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Post by fluf on Jan 10, 2015 14:51:04 GMT
I used to have something similar, made by Shakespeare I think. It was a good net and quite deep, can't remember what happened to it though.
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Post by dbl on Jan 10, 2015 17:37:38 GMT
The Shimano is the backpacking net I have. It's good! I have discussed the problems of ordering this (or anything) from Japan (Japs great, Royal Mail and British Customs unmentionable in polite society) in another thread. The Daiwa model (v. similar) is now available from Tenkara Times ) so EU so no problems with customs. The price will end up about the same! Having said that, it should be good experience for ordering a top quality Japanese tenkara rod. Only TenkaraBum has many of these and the USA import restrictions are similar. Regarding home-made tamos, the guru (or sensei) is Seth Leach. He is modest about his skills! Check out this beautiful and informative video of him presenting one of his works of art to Paul Gaskell of Discover Tenkara: www.facebook.com/DiscoverTenkara/posts/832360523454503Yes, he uses willow for the frame! PS: Use a lanyard when you get it! Even more so if you make one!!!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2015 19:43:23 GMT
Thanks for that dbl, I considered the Diawa but after reading a few comparison reviews, decided on the Shimano. There was one on fleebay at £57.00, but I shopped around and decided to order from Japan for £32.00 including delivery. We will see what Mr Customs and the PO can add to that. I will, of course use a lanyard. Will update on the delivery procedure and net quality when (if) it arrives. Ken.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2015 12:54:17 GMT
Shimano net arrived this morning from Japan, nothing added by customs or Post Office for delivery. 9 days for delivery from Japan, not bad. The net is a genuine Shimano product and works well, (in the kitchen anyway). Looks very well made. I will update when I've tried it on the river. I sent for the 30cm one, it looks okay to use for all the river fishing and not just Tenkara. Ken.
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Post by dbl on Jan 19, 2015 17:53:41 GMT
Lucky bugger!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 19:20:39 GMT
Thanks dbl, I bought from a company caled Platt, emailed me info and tracking code,very pleaseant to deal with. link here
Regards Ken.
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Post by dbl on Jan 21, 2015 16:09:05 GMT
Yes, I also used Platt. Very good service. I added a couple more small items which might have triggered the Customs stop. ConDemMail add a charge for looking after your customs delayed mail.
The range of Japanese made tenkara rods on Platt's site is impressive. Even with VAT etc added, the prices would be competitive here. Repairs might be a problem! TenkaraBum also sells many of them and his excellent site has masses of detail and tests of each rod.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 19:45:19 GMT
Thanks for that. I will be at the BFFI show on the Saturday so, I intend having a look at the rods there, hopefully there willbe a Sato or something similar I can look at. Ken.
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Post by fluf on Mar 15, 2015 12:50:39 GMT
Well after a long time and more than a little effort I've managed to get some wood to form a circle. It's now drying after the first coat of varnish, and I should have the first (probably last) effort done in the next few weeks. I saw and handled one of Seth's nets at the BFFI - what a masterpiece of craftsmanship it was.
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Post by fluf on Mar 19, 2015 12:32:12 GMT
Got the loop in position and waiting foe the glue to set, the test will be when the ties come off. Will it hold? wait and see !
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