How do I measure a blank to order parts? In addition, what type of scale is best for weighing blanks and guides etc?

What parts are you ordering that require measurements?? The only thing that I can think of would be a blank exposed casting real seat. On that, you would measure the blank diameter at the spot that the opening would be located on your blank.

Can't help you on the scale, but I see reloading scales mentioned a lot here.

Mike

The other part that requires measuring is the winding check, unless you use one of those rubber ones that stretch. I build only fly rods and always order the blank and reel seat first, then after I get the reel seat and rip fitted, I measure for the winding check and order the guides and winding check. Takes a bit longer to get it all done, but I always get the right size winding check.

In addition to making sure the reel seat is large enough to go over the butt end, you might want to measure the blank's diameter about 12" from the butt end to determine what size winding check you'll need. If the measurement falls between two sizes, I would order the larger of the two as you can pack thread into the front opening of the check to keep it concentric on the blank.

I have a reloading scale made by RCBS for weighing. It weighs in grains, which can be converted, of course, to any unit of weight. They are inexpensive and highly accurate (or I'd of blown myself up long, long ago). Mine is mechanical; it works just fine. There are digital ones, also, but I haven't seen the justification for the added expense.

Putter

If the butt of the blank is .750, the tip is size 7 (or 7/64) and the blank is 6' long then subtract .109375 from .750 and divide by 72, the number of inches. This gives you a reduction in taper of .009 per inch. So if you wanted to know the diameter of a blank at 12 inches from the butt, you multiply .009 times 12, then subtract that from .750 to get .642. This can give you the general idea for reel seat, cork ring diameter, If you care to break it down into fractions of an inch it will give you winding check sizes at any location on the blank, all this assuming a straight taper, no fast taper tip sections, although it would work well there too, now that I think about it. Hope this helps, Respectfully Levi

HUH!!!!!!!! I hope you're happy now that you've given me a headache!!!! LOL

Mike

Hey, Mike, me three!! Darned math majors, anyhow!!

Putter Pi R squared

No, actually Pi are round!

Bilgee

Mike , Putter, If you actually saw me you would never think I would be capable of math. My head is pointy and I have the blank gaze of someone obviously incapable of higher thought. Levi

Gee, Levi, Sounds like we may be related!!!!!

Mike

Me three!