Archive for June 2011

10 years ago this month, I launched Rodbuilding.org.  It was different from any other custom rod building forum around. In fact, it was different than most public internet forums of any kind. Participants were required to use their actual first and last names when posting. Insults, flames, obscene language and bad conduct in general were…

It’s hard to put any real numbers on custom rod building.  I’m not talking about just how many rod builders there are, but how those who do build rods carry on their rod building activities. Do they build mostly fresh or saltwater rods? How many rods a year do they build? Do most builders build…

RodMaker Magazine subscribers will soon have the unique opportunity to advise the custom rod building craft on a number of important issues. Stay tuned over the next few days for an important announcement!   Tom Kirkman   ……………….

When RodMaker was launched early in 1998, overseas subscriptions were available. Within a short while, nearly 400 rod builders from outside the U.S. were receiving the magazine. And it was a nightmare on my end…   With each issue published, I had to set aside 3 days to fill out, by hand, 400 individual customs…

Many long time rod builders will recognize the name Joy Dunlap.  Joy has been involved in all forms of custom rod building for many, many decades. In fact, at this point in time he’s probably been at it longer than just about anyone else.   Sadly, Joy’s recent declining health now prohibits him from any…