Hello... I am new to rod building and have been reading a ton. I have been a lurker on this board for a while and have compiled all kinds of questions especially on guide placement... but just a few to start with.

I have read the guide placement artical in the library as well ad Tom's Book multiple times. In the library artical it says to locate the intersection point then place the guide size of choice for your tip guides down the blank where the outside of the ring touches the edge of the table. In Tom's book it says to take the point of intersection and locate the guide there. This will put the choke guide in different spots depending on which method is used. Which is the correct one?

Also in the library artical (refering ot the tip guides) it says 6mm guides should be used for 2-8lb test and 7mm or 8mm should be used from say 8-15lb test. In Tom's book it says spining guides should be from 7mm to 10mm. I am building an inland salt water rod (9ft) that I fish 6-8lb test on should i use 6mm or 7mm?

I want to thank Tom for all the info he provides to us through his book and creating this site. I have a few more questions but this should be good for now..

Thanks
Jeremy

No, both are the same. The tip guides cannot be placed where their edge contacts the table, as the entire tip of the rod past the intersect point is hanging off the table. It's the guildes between the intersect guide and the reel that are placed so their outer edges reach the table edge.

The difference between a 6mm and a 7mm guide is nil. Smaller is better, weightwise, if it will still pass the line and any connections you plan to use. Most likely, 6 to 8lb test will pass easily through 6mm guides.

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Hit post Twice.... Jeremy



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/29/2005 05:11PM by Jeremy Parkins.

Tom-

I think I worded my above question a little confusing. I refrence to the choke guide:

In your book it says: "... run a string through the centerline of the reel spool untill it intersects the rod blank. Mark this point of intersection. This is where you will locate your choke guide (pg. 26)"

In the online artical it says: "Note the point where the rod blank intersects with the table edge. Set your smallest and lowest guide against the blank in the location where it¹s outer edge just touches the table edge. "


These statements would seem to locate the choke guide in different spots as one will locate it right at the point of intersection (meaning the guide ring) while the latter would locate the eye further toward the butt becasue i would be placing the outside of the ring along the edge of the table. I don't know if i am getting to exact with this but i want to try and set up a good consistant practice before i even build my first rod and i want to make sure i locate the guides right becasue that seems one of the most important things to do.

Thanks,
Jeremy

No, they still locate the guide in the same place. The string and the table edge serve the same purpose, they will intersect the blank at the same point. Placing the guide on either, on the center or on the edge, will only make about a 1/2 inch difference. Not enough to worry over.

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