I have noticed a few undercurrents on the rod boards lately with people joining the "hand made" rod versus the rod made using power equipment. This segregation saddens me and reminds me of the inane discussions about "dry fly purists". It is just plain dumb.
The rod makers that we revere used lots of power equipment to make their rods. There are many now that make them completely by hand or guys like me that use power for some tasks and elbow grease for others. The reality is it doesn't matter how you make the rod as long as it pleases you. It is bad form to denigrate someone's modus operandi and I urge you to keep those thoughts to yourself. As builders we should be supportive of each other in the battle to keep the craft alive. Imagine what a new builder thinks reading this "crap" after taking delivery of his Bertram or Bellinger rougher. We are lucky to have innovative suppliers offering a range of products to suit ones budget from entry level to professional. For those that want to live in the forest with solar panels, wind generators and black water, this is their choice. So whether you whittle your rod like Digger did or if you have the latest CNC gear, go for it, make your rods your way, you won't hear me criticize you! Judge not, that ye may not be judged