I've been flyfishing for almost 30 years (started when I was 9). My uncle had a bamboo rod that I wasn't allowed to touch and I vowed that some day I would have one of my own. I saw an article on making bamboo rods in 2007 and figured that if I wanted one, I'd have to make my own since I don't have much money. I did some research on the internet and found Todd's tip site and followed some instructions to make my own tools. I finished my first rod in February of 2008 and it looked pretty rough but it fished great so I was hooked. I just kept making them, I'm currently planing out #22 and 23 and they look much better now than they did when I first started out (more importantly, they fish better). I've made all of my tools (I couldn't afford to do this if I had to buy everything), I've developed some tapers (that's the fun part of it for me) and I make all of my own hardware except stripping guides (unless anyone has a source for carbide rings). I've learned quite a bit from this list and I am thankful that it exists. I wish I was more active but if I don't have anything new to add, I won't post.