Having used a Howells rod for many years (many years ago) I've experienced the sensuous smooth simplicity of duronze ferrules. I know this is a "difficult" material to work with. But given it's advantages (for anglers) over nickle-silver, why aren't more makers making duronze ferrules, or why hasn't someone like Bellinger put in the R&D to be able to offer ferrules in this material?

If this subject has been dealt with thoroughly in another thread or on a another forum, please refer me.

Many thanks,

Oldstrom

Hey Mark!



There are only a few places that make ferrules in any quantity - REC, Tony Larson and CSE (who makes Bellinger's ferrules). Whether they don't offer duronze ferrules because of lack of a market, material cost, machining properties or for some other reason, I don't know. Perhaps something as simple as the goldish color limits their desirability enough that it isn't economically viable to crank them out in any quantity.

The handful of semi professionals and hobbyists who use duronze that I've heard about all seem to like it well enough and have no serious problems working with it. Bill Carter and Dave LeClair (I believe) are a couple. I've used a few sets and fitting and working them was not noticably different than n/s.

Perhaps it is because they are not really that much different than nickel silver. The weight difference is only something like 15% over n/s.

Maybe Darryl H. will chime in as I think he has made some ferrules from Duronze as well.

Chris,

I can always count on you for a reasonable answer.

Mark

I regularly use Duronze for my ferrules. I actually like the color, it matches the color of bamboo better than NS.

The Duronze I use is 642 Aluminum Bronze. It is lighter than NS, 2/3rds the weight. I haven't found it to be any harder to machine than NS. Keep in mind though, most of the commercial ferrule suppliers solder the ferrules together from tube stock, and there are no suppliers of Duronze tubing. I don't know what type of solder would work on Duronze.

I just finished cutting a 2 piece 7042 Cattanach taper in to a 4 piece, and I used Duronze to make the ferrules.

Darryl

From reading on Clark's site it sounds like Winston bamboo rods use duronze ferrules but the booboys are going to use NS on their Sweetgrass rods

Ken

Ken,

I didn't see anything about Winston using super Z ferrules, just that they are changing from duronze to n/s.

Darryl,

Thanks for the info on Duronze. I like the color as well!

Both sets that I have used were made from barstock, so that may just explain why they aren't as prevalent. Of course, REC's Uni ferrules are made from barstock, so maybe they should do a run of duronze.

I could have swore they said Super Z but count that as my first mistake this year

Did some one know where to buy Duronze to make ferrules?
Thanks Olaf

http://www.mcmaster.com/param/asp/PSearch2...cMMainWidth=833

Do you know what the code for nickel silver is and where to get it? Please would end months of looking with little to no sucess

Metal Express sells nickle silver bar stock. I'll get you the URL tomorrow night when I'm back at home.

Mark

Metal Express

Mark

you guys ROCK

Thanks