Re: [VFB] Rod Building - Guide positioning

[Jerryphl9]

In a message dated 11/7/2006 15:03:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: List, To switch back to fishing: Has anybody any reference about placing guides on a blank. In my opinion there must be differences for tip action blanks and full flex blanks, even if they are of the same weight. Any ideas? Rene Rene:   I did have a formula on my old IBM XT, but by the time I upgraded to my current computer the era of floppy discs had past and I couldn't salvage the spread sheet.  I also have used the formulas in Dale Clemens "Advanced Custom Rod Building".  Looking through it he suggests that the first stripping guide should be located between 28 and 35 inches from the base of the reel seat depending on the length of the rod and the first guide should be 4 or 5 inches from the rod tip.  Like Tony I use one more guide than the length of the rod.  For example, my 9 1/2 foot 8 wgt if it was a full flex blank I would have used 11 guides.  I have 12 guides, it's a bit faster action than my other rods and I added an extra guide to the tip area.  The center of my first stripping guide is 33 inches from the base of the reel seat, and because of the extra guide the first one is 3 1/2 inches from the rod tip. I do the same thing as Tony does, get my basic spacing down, and use surgical tubing to hold the guides on while I test cast the rod.  I'll wrap the guides, then test cast it again more aggressively.  If I'm satisfied I go home and put the epoxy on the guides.  Now I use single foot guides.  It's been said that the double foot guides can stiffen the action of a blank because there's two wraps holding them in place but that's neither here or there. The other thing for fly rods that Clemens is to have someone hold the line or tie enough weight on the line to bend the rod.  The line should follow the bend of the rod.  If there are sharp angles then you need to adjust the guides.  My $0.02.   Jerry C "All things considered, I'd rather be in Philadelphia."