I know this is a silly question but I have to ask. According to Dan Craft all his blanks are pre-spined because of the thin walls and the fact that they cant be spined in the traditional manner. My question is when building on his blanks do the guides go on the side that is marked or opposite the side that is marked? I am building on his lighter line weight blank models if that matters. Thank you for any replies.

the Sig V series is thin walled, but i don't think the FTs are. if you're new to rod building, you'll generally find that people won't tell you do it one way or the other. rather, it's all up to you and can slightly affect the way the rod handles (i think ;-). what's generally suggested is to read the FAQ at this site regarding spine orientation and from the information gleaned, decide for yourself. i know it can be frustrating but it's intended to help you learn and exercise your freedom of choice.

still, the one FT and one SIg V i've wrapped were marked and i mounted my fly guides opposite of the spine like all of my fly rods so far. some day i might try the opposite and compare, but i'd have to use two identical blanks.

correct me if i'm wrong everyone. :-)

eric
fresno, ca.

I did as Eric did.

I'm still confused! I just cant wrap my brain around this one! LOL. I'm not sure if the mark that Dan puts on the blank is on the spine or if it's opposite the spine. Did you put your guides on the side that Dan had marked or opposite the side that was marked.? Thanks again.

the marks dan includes mark the "effective spine*" of the blank. when you build the rod, orientate the marks so they are on top when the rod will be complete. a fly rod has guides on the bottom. so the guides are attached on the opposite side from the thin white "effective spine" marks on the blank.

* effective spine = standard but important term used at this site.

i really really hope i'm not spreading incorrect info here.

eric
fresno, ca.

I built a couple of Dan's 7-piece rods a couple of years ago and asked him via email about the marks. Here is his reply:

"The marks are the spine. If you want more lift coming off the water with your cast, place the guides on the marks. If you would prefer more power on the forward cast, place the guides opposite the marks."

On the 4/5 wt I put the guides on the marks; on the 5/6 wt I put them opposite. I don't notice much difference on the heavier rod, but the lighter rod can really pick up and throw a 5 wt line.

Just my $0.02.

Aaroin Harp

Continuing on from Aaron's reply...

"more lift coming off the water" also means less resistance on the backcast, i.e., the rod will load more easily and will stop more quickly on the forward cast due to increased resistance.

"more power on the forward cast" also means more stopping power on the backcast (more powerful loading) and will flex farther down the blank on the forward cast with the same power, giving a wider loop.

Since my customers (and I) need all the help they can get on the backcast, I build all my rods, fresh or salt, with the guides on the spine.