I had a bit of trouble dressing the feet on this rod Im doing now. I finished off with a diamond stone. Took me quite some time to rough them out . Any tips for my next set? Thanks in advance

Scott

Dremmel tool with fine stone or small belt sander with fine belt

Here is a couple links to thoughts on this topic awhile back. I use a Dremel with a diamond disc. Remember to use eye protection when grinding guides!!!

[www.rodbuilding.org]



[www.rodbuilding.org]

Thanks for the info. Ill have to get set up with some power tools for this stuff. I left all of my rod building stuff in Canada before moving to Scotland. I guess Ill just have to rough it for the next couple of blanks. My last guides turned out great they just took a bit of time. Ive forgot how much fun it is to order a blank and build it just the way you want. Ill have 4 blanks shortly to complete.

Scott,

I have beeen using a 4 inch fine flat file for a great many sets of Titanium guides in T-SVSG, T NSG and T-SG patterns. The metal is much easier to cut than std Stainless Steel. I rough file then use 400 and finally 1200 wet and Dry paper to finish off. I hate grinding guides so much that I don't do it. One reason is getting good control the other is that heat generated can change the characterisics of the metal. I see grinding as a tool of the mass producer to be honest. It works for some but not for me. It can also be dangerous for the not so skilled builder. I am talking geneaarlly heare not personally, so please don't take me the wrong way. LOL.


Regards

Mike Oliver

Mike

Ive been out of rodbuilding for a good few years. Ive learned so much from the guys here and in the library tab. I was thinking there was some "new" way to dress feet. Do you have any info on how to paint or colour your guide feet to match thread colour?

Scott,

Sharpie indelible markers is what I use.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Thanks. Ive got some for fly tying. I am curious to know how some of you forum users treat the bottom sides of your guides with respect to dressing. Do remove the majority of the concave shape? Or do you just make sure the edges are nice and smooth ie no burrs? Come to think of it do you remove the arrow like point on the end of the foot to produce a nice tapered profile from tip to guide foot? Do you leave it and just taper it looking side on if you like? The way I have always done it was to taper it both ways looking down and side on to the foot. Just wondering if this was right? Theres so much knowledge here I feel compelled to ask LOL Thanks in advance
Scott