While waiting for replies from a few sponsor venders, I am looking for sources for quality nickel-silver, AKA German silver, ferrules. The ferrule must be 31/64 on end and 32/64 on the other, size 13 as per Mud Hole. Is this a standard / universal size? The one purchased from Mud Hole fits fine and was certainly inexpensive enough but would prefer a higher quality unit. I am ferrule-unfamiliar and not certain if a “Swiss”, “Truncated”, or “Step” type would be the best. It is my understanding a truncated ferrule employ radial slits on the ends which certainly seems beneficial from a stress point.
It must have been a very happy day for you veteran rod builders when metal ferrules were replaced with tip-over-butt connections. It is the only down-side I experience working with these vintage FG blanks.
Previous thanks for helping!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Check with Anglers Roost.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Thanks, Denis. They are one from whom I am awaiting a reply.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I don't know if your will get a reply from him very soon or not, he is in the hospital for a couple of weeks and not supposed to be available until after the 16th from what I have heard

Ron Weber

The nickel silver ferrules are traditionally used on bamboo rods, and many places involved with bamboo rods sell nickel silver ferrules. However, if you want something larger than 17/64 you will have to have it custom machined for you. Usually the male ferrule comes oversized and has to be lapped to get a good custom fit. The tabs at the end of ferrules fit on the six flats of the bamboo rod. Not sure if you will be able to get such a large nickel silver ferrule, unless you are willing to pay a lot for it! Bellinger might be able to help you get a larger ferrule, but I have my doubts.
[www.genuinebellinger.com]
A chrome plated brass ferrule should work fine and is a lot cheaper.
Many years ago when metal ferrules were the only choice for making a two piece, we made fiberglass ferrules by finding a fiberglass sleeve that would fit the area where we wanted to cut the blank. The sleeve was trimmed appropriately to serve as a ferrule, approximately 2" overlap of each end. The blank was then cut and the sleeve epoxied in place on the tip section of the blank. The ferrules were wrapped to give them some strength to prevent/resist splitting. These ferrules held up extremely well, and I never had one fail. Just a thought as another option for a very light and functional ferrule.
Norm



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/2017 10:26PM by Norman Miller.

Ron, thanks for the info regarding the owner of Anglers Roost.
Norman, thanks also. Bellinger is another I am awaiting a response. It does not surprise me that you made your own ferrules. I would have considered fabricating my own FG ferrule for this blank but the difference in the diameter of the tip and butt section combined with the original additional build up on the blank at either end of the ferrule makes it impractical to say the least, and trust me, I considered it. Since I have been working on quite a few NOS vintage FG blanks and needed to be able to offer two piece rods, I spent quite a bit of time perfecting a method to fabricate my own FG ferrules. Actually, it combines a thinner external with a thicker, tubular internal spigot, utilizing the blank itself as a mold to produce the required identical tapers. I purchase the woven FG cloth sleeves from Soller Composites. They fit so well, bonding can be avoided which contributes to hindering the natural flex curve of the blank. Side by side comparisons of four “identical” 7ft blanks, one with my “Continuous Arc Rod Link, CARL” revealed a difference in the flex curve to be less than 0.125in. And the pair only weight about 2g.While there may not be much need in main-stream rod building these days, being able to offer a lighter, stronger connecting system which affects the natural curve of the blank much less than a metal ferrule can be very appealing. Yes, I was guilty of over-thinking again!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark email me privately and I will recommend an excellent source.