I want to try and build on a bamboo blank. This will be my first one ever and I was wondering where is a good place to get a blank? I found this on ebay but I have no idea if its any good or not. Can a nice can blank be this cheap? Would this be a good first project?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Quality-Made-Bamboo-Bl...=item5ad4f11571

I bought a blank similar to this one for a first bamboo build. I received it and it doesn't take a pro to tell they are of poor quality. Improper node spacing glue lines it was not symmetrical, meaning it was oblong not a perfect hexagon shape. For 75 dollars you can buy a decent hand plane on ebay and a culm of bamboo from golden witch and build your self a pmq. I made a pmq for my first and it was ugly, not straight not perfectly square I messed up the finish on it but it is still one of my favorite rods to fish.

If you want to build a hex go with either osd (not sure of his website address) or chris carlin (google far north rodsmiths) they are both members of the forum and both build excelent rods. I purchased a butt section from draco http://sdbamboorods.com and was very pleased. Your can expect to spend around 300 for an un ferruled blank but its a far better investment than buying a cheapie from ebay IMHO.

Good luck with your search and have fun.

I have dealt with this gentleman before and never had any complaints as to product. I have not bought any bamboo blanks from him. Do a search for Anglers Roost on here, read the comments then make your own decision.

He says the rods are US made, but does not say that about the blanks. My guess is they are Chinese. You can also buy decent Chinese blanks from Elkhorn if that is what you want. I would second the comment about gettin blanks from Chris, or OSD.

Has anyone tried the complete bamboo kits offered by Hook & Hackle for $280?

Read this.

http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/t...kle-Blanks.html