Can anyone out there help me locate some basic information to get me started in this direction. I have admired this work on several rods that I have seen, but cannot seem to locate some meaningfull information to get started with decorative wraps and weaves.

Thanks for the help.

Jo eT.

Decorative Wraps - Get the Advanced Custom Thread Art book, read the first few chapters a few times until you are clear as to what is going on. Then practice a few basic wraps on a wooden dowel or a spare rod blank.

There is sort of a tutorial I posted on momentoffame.com. It is in the middle of some of the new and old photos, about 20 steps. Not sure how much it will help, ut should give you a basic idea of what teh book is talking about the first time you read it.

Good luck, Billy

A good easy photo tutorial is in Tom Kirkman's book called Rod Building Guide. It will lead you through the basics of a diamond/chevron wrap in a very friendly and easy to understand format and is in full color. The entire book is only like $15 so you can't go wrong. Most of the suppliers on the left hand side of this page probably have it.

One more thing - once you learn the basic diamond/chevron wrap you are primed for any other wrap. The basics are applicable to any wrap and are what all the other wraps are based on. Good luck!

I have to agree with the first 2 replies, custom rod thread art is probably way more than you need, but get it! you will use it , but if you haven't already, get "Advanced custom rod building" also by Dale Clemens too. I haven't gotten Tom's new book, but from what I hear about it it defenitly deserves a space on my ever-growning bookshelf.

Go over to www.leapinbass.com. At least I think that's the addy. This guy has some PDF files of basic chevrons, diamonds and fish wraps. Check'em out .....might be very helpful.

Good luck,
Steve

Those all are very good suggestions as sources for very good information. Another thing you may possibly consider, is attending the Custom Rod Builder's Guild Conclave 2002 in Nashville, TN., at the Music City Sheraton. There will be some knock-out seminars and hands on demos/instructions. It will be as meaningful for those wanting to learn decorative thread work, from weaves to cross wraps to feather and thread work combined, a new technique to be shown at the Conclave. If you would like more info about Conclave 2002, go to @#$%& and click on Conclave 2002, in upper left corner. Of course there will be much, much more. Try to attend if you can.

If you cannot make the Conclave, also consider a Rodcrafters Seminar, which are held in various spots in the US (Fl, NY, PA, WA)

Billy

Joe,
I would recommend also Tom's 'tutorial' with full color pictures depicting setup and step by step progression of decorative butt wrap principals. Even for a beginner its easy to follow and comprehend if you can't get a hand on lesson.

Another good idea is a Video by Artie Hebert called "Decorative Rod Wrapping Vol. 1- spiral & cross wraps".

Either Visual or written, with practice you'll soon be good at it.

Richard's Rod & Reel has the above and other Rodbuilding Books and Videos available for purchase. We're at the link as a sponsor, but contact at info@rodreel and we'll be glad to help if we can.

Rich
Solyrich Custom Rods
www.rodreel.com