Where is a good source to learn about guide prep prior to installation? I am building a 2 piece 5'6" UL and am looking for performance. Also, do I need to wrap the outter furrel of the upper piece?

I would strongly recommend the book Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman available ftom most of the sponsors to the left for about $15. The best investment you can make. Regardless of what the manufacturer's say, all guides need to be prepped. Use a file (I prefer a Dremel) and file the top of the foot to a gradual taper ending in a thin sharp edge so that the thread will make a smooth transition up the guide foot. You want a thin gradual taper on the foot so that it will be able to flex a little with the rod blank..
Also, make sure that the foot sits perfectly flat on the blank. Guide prep is very important!

You definately need to wrap the ferrule on all multi piece rods BEFORE you flex them! Most wrap from the edge to about 2 1/2 times the diameter of the ferrule (I think)

Mike

Thanks Mike, after I posted I found the ferrule answer in FAQ's. But I am curious as to what you use in your dremel to grind guides. Type, grit, color?

Jim,

I personaly use a Dremet. Depending on the size of the guide, I will start with a lite grit grinding wheel to knock them down a bit and get a nice even ramp effect. I then use the black sanding disks to finish the job. While I am doing this I use an old pice of blank to keep checking the guide by laying it on the blank to see if it seats evenly. These sanding pads give it a nice smooth finish as well. You will go through several of them, but they work great. On the expoces metal guide feet I use thinned testors flat black paint to coat them. Make sure you let it dry 12-24 hours before wrapping.

David Banaka

Jim, I usually use a brownish pink grinding wheel but I don't know that it makes any difference as long as it gets them smooth

Mike

Jim, do yourself a favor and run down to the hardware store. Pick up a few different sizes of nylon bolts and nuts that fit inside the guide's ring. You can finger tighten the nut down on the guide ring without damaging it with the nylon. It's just a great way to hold those little guides while doing this prep work.

The new issue of RodMaker has an article on guide prep that I think you would find very, very helpful. Good tips on "how-to," the shape you're after, instructions on how to file/sand/grind polish. Plenty of information on all aspects of this task.


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A diamond disc grinding wheel is a great guide shaper on your dremel.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Thanks everybody!
Tom, besides direct subscribtion what other methods are there to aquire this issue fast?

None. Although in a few weeks you can buy it as a back issue. I'll also have it, and all the other issues, in Charlotte in two weeks.

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