Hi everyone,

The UPS man just delivered my first blank this evening. The blank is a Forecast F864-3DB that I ordered from Neal's. The blank looks very nice and very straight.

A few things I've noticed though are that on the tip and mid section the finish stops nearly a half inch from the butt end, and on the butt section the finish stops over an inch shy of the butt end of the section. On the butt section it's no problem since it will all be covered anyway. But on the other sections I think the transition from finish to no finish could effect the looks of wraps.

Also, each of the sections is a slightly different length. The butt section is the shortest. The tip section is about 1/4" longer and mid section is about 1/2" longer than the butt section.

My question is about cutting the blank. Would cutting 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch of the butt end of each section to even-up their lengths and square up the ends effect the fit of the ferrules? It looks like the ferrules overlap by about 2 1/2".

Thanks

Mark

I would not cut anything with the exception of the tip or very end of the butt section . build it as is , your re-enforcement wraps will cover the spots with no finish, though you may have to make them longer than you wish . Cutting anything other than mentioned will realy mess the fit. Have fun , John

Got Fish ?

Mark,
I think that the advice that John Dow has given you is correct for almost all manufacturers blanks. Trimming the ferrule on most blanks will likely lead to problems. However, I have built a lot of rods using the Forecast blanks and the Forecast ferrules do overlap a good deal more than most and I have trimmed a number of them without any problem. I would not go any more than the 3/4' that you suggest though.
The lack of finish on the ends is normal. You will have to cover this area with either the handle or the ferrule wrap so it should not be a problem.

Thanks guys,

I will probably just sand the transition smooth so the thread wraps don't show the rough end.

Mark

Don't sand! You can cut into the blank. Instead use a A thread to wrap. Unless it is really lumpy, the A thread will cover the unopainted section nicely. Don't trim the blank either, as you may alter the fit and action. Place a guide on each ferrule and you will cover up the unpainted section with the guide wrap. Single foot guides are better for this, as they have longer feet and you can block in front of them as well.

Mark,
Most manufactures will not warranty a blank that has been modified, so I would check first before you do anything. It is normally for the sections to be different sizes in length. The butt is usually the shortest, because it is not normally sunk into the reel seat all the way (needs to be room for cap or fighting butt) creating length after you are done. The mid section is sometimes a little longer than the bottom section but shorter than the tip, because of the ferrule.
The unfinished ferrule ends will not effect your thread wraps. Most companies recommend a 1/2" - 1" ferrule wrap. This company may may assume you will wrapping the ferrules that long, so they do not apply the finish.
My advise is build the blank as is and learn from this experience, I sure after this one, you will be hook and it will not be your last rod you build. Have a good day.
Jessica




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2005 07:49PM by Tom Kirkman.

Don & Jessica,
I agree completed with you for almost all blanks. The ferrule should not under most circumstances be cutt or shortened or otherwise messed with. However, I think that the exception to the rule is many of the Forecast blanks. Some of the Forecast ferrules are very long, 3" or even 4", and can be trimmed a small amount, even up to an inch, with no adverse effects.