I'm pretty new to rod building and much like starting any new hobby, it is difficult to decide what equipment one really NEEDS to create a quality product. That said, I've read that most professional builders use the "progressive angle theory" to determine guide spacing. You can buy a tool to help you with this task for about $50. It seems to me one could build this tool with just a straight edge and a protractor. Does anybody know how I could make one myself or futher explain the theory?

Thanks.

I always use this: [www.rodbuilding.org]
Or this: [www.rodbuilding.org]
This is also good [www.rodbuilding.org]

Save the tool buying for later, My first rods were static tested by wrapping the grip in a towel and closing it in a drawer to get the angle I needed. To start you need only what the good lord gave you, the M 1 A eyeball.

Most professional builders do not use the "progressive angle theory." Where did you hear this?

It's certainly a viable method (along with the Equal Angle method) and you can build your own chart for very little money. If you wanted to. Depends on how much time you have versus what you're willing to spend.

Read the two articles in the online library for the methods used by most. All are good - you just have to figure out which method suits you best.

.....................