I was wondering if there is a tool for holding guides while grinding the feet on them. Be sides our fingers. I have sanded my finger tips too many times now and am looking for a tool of sorts to hold the guides while grinding the feet on them. I can't find such a great tool but maybe someone knows where to find one or can invent one for me. I don't want to use vicegrips which could scratch the finish on the guides. If this sounds like a question from a newbie builder it is, and I am.
Thanks for any input.

Charles,

Here is one that might do the trick [shop.mudhole.com]

Lynn

One that comes to mind is called a "Pin Vise." Tool Makers/Machinists use them to hold small parts when hand working........I have several of varies sizes, but they were purchased 40 plus years ago. I think one of the vendors/sponsors on the left carry a similar tool.

Charles- I use little nylon bolts from my local Ace hardware. They make several sizes. I just slip the guide onto the bolt with the leg of the guide extending off the head end of the bolt. Some guys use a nylon nut to hold the guide onto the bolt, but I just pin the guide against the head of the bolt with my fingers and grind away. Works like a charm and is very quick. I can prep a set of guides in just a few minutes. I also sand the bottoms of the guides lightly with 220 grit paper to take off any burrs, and on larger guides I will take a chainsaw file to the bottom to create a hollow that allows the bottom of the guide to closely match the curvature of the blank.

I use locking forceps (used for hook removal in fly fishing) to hold guides while grinding. Most are narrow enough where you can hold the foot of the guide instead of the frame so no worry on scratches.

Terry

the link that lynn provided is the one I've seen

I just put some duct tape over my fingertips and go to it

Like Rich, I use Nylon bolts. Quick, cheap and easy - even on little fly guiders [www.rodbuilding.org]

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!!

I'm with Terry: locking forceps

DR

We use forceps with a small bit of rubber tubing over each jaw to protect the guide finish.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Charles

I just used the Mudhole guide holder for the first time on a set of Fuji Alconites (BYAG & BLAG's) down to size 6. It's worth every penny to me. I'm sure you could make a similar holder from hardware store parts for a lot less $ but if you don't want to run around and burn $3 a gal. gas to find the parts the Mudhole guide holder works great! It "stops the pain".

Rog

locking forceps for me too.

The handle from an "xacto knife" works well too.

Thank You gentilmen and my fingers Thank You !
I'll try the gripper from Mudhole and a set of forceps from the local flea market with tubing.

Don't Grind.

File.

My pet hate is grinders.

Please hand file your guides, the little bit of extra time is worth it.

Paul

I fish therefore I am.
www.hookeduprods.com

I am with you Paul ! Something that small, I'm going to file it. I can control my file. I know I will not take too much off or accidentally touch the wrong place.
I have worked with grinders all my life and am very good with them,even the smallest grinders. But on guides, I had rather use an 8 " fine cut knife file with my little nylon holder I made like Barkleys. And I'm not in that big of a hurry.

AS Jay says, being accurate and in control is very important..

But my main hate of grinders is the heating of the metal of the guide feet.

Heating metal with a grinder alters the metal. (I hope there is a metalurgist on the board watching this).

There are special grinding stones about tio help, but why not just file?.

Good luck with your question.

Paul

I fish therefore I am.
www.hookeduprods.com

There are two brands of snake guides(that I know of) that come with what they call "preground" feet which cured whatever urge I ever had to grind the feet on a guide. I use a mediuim grit diamond file, hold it still and move the guide, it's fast anc controlable and you don't get the burned and mangled feet that a grinder can leave you with. Note, the guides I mention are NOT from Snake Brand, they are as close to perfect as guides are going to get, I just touch up the ends a bit when I use 3/0 or finer thread, they are good to go with 2/0.
john