Hi guys
just some questions from a beginner:
I am (still) building an ultra light spinning rod of aftm 4-5, 7.6" fly rod.
The handle worked out fine, no problem there. I wound the titanium casting guides with ring I ordered on the blank, but I am not really pleased with the result though I used 4 size 6 and 1 size 8 only: compared to the snake guides which were on this rod they seem to be heavier and the rod does not feel as fast now anymore. The windings are not epoxied yet, so it could become worse on the weight.
I ordered new guides (Recoil casting guides) as these must be still lighter. Next to that I am thinking of removing the yellowish paint of the rod.
Questions are: would removing the paint make any positive difference? Is it dangerous to remove the paint (touching/sanding the carbon blank itself)? Any advise?
thanks & rgds Adrian

Removing the paint would indeed have a positive effect on the rod's efficiency. In fact, manufacturers know that painting a blank costs a little on the performance end, but most consumers desire a "colored" rod blank. Thus, they bow to demand.

How much better it would be depends entirely on just how much paint is on there now and what percent of the blank's total weight does it constitute. It will make some difference, but whether that will be a lot of difference or just a tiny bit, I really can't say from this end.

You can safely scrap the finish off with a scraper or razor blade held at 90 degrees to the surface (do not get careless and slice into the rod blank) or you can try one of the more mild paint strippers such as "Safety Strip" by 3M. Do not leave it on the blank any longer than needed to lift the paint. And, do not sand the blank with anything other than a very, very fine grit or Scotchbrite type material. You don't have a lot of material to play with and gouging or cutting into the blank's outer fibers could be disastrous on such a light blank.

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

Thanks Tom, and all others who reacted on my previous questions.
The 7.6" ultra light crank rod out of a fly rod is finished. In the end I stripped the paint of
the rod and used recoil guides and the new concept guide spacing, all in order
to save on the weight. This made a big difference and the rod turned out even better than I expected.
It casts nice and far with 3-5 grams cranks, and fighting even small fish is a lot of fun.
Till next time.
Rgds Adrian