Anyone have a spec sheet for a Winston BIIx 7wt 4 pc? Or, if you have a blank or rod, I need measurements for winding check and tip top.

I emailed them 3 times over 3 days and got no response. I think they don't like me...

Dave

Good Morning Dave,
If you have a caliper (preferably a digital or those with a round dial that can be read to 0.001 inches), you can measure the diameter of the blank at a distance where the reel seat and grip will end. Typically this will be between 10.5 and 11 inches above the butt of the blank. If your diameter is say 0.315 inches, then you should choose a winding check with an inside diameter slightly larger. I would probably would look for one with an ID of 0.318. You should be able to measure the tip top diameter as well or if you have a drill bit gauge you can get that diameter as well. Lacking a drill bit gauge, you can take your tip section to a harware store and use their gauge. If you plan on making more rods, these gauges are very inexpensive and would be a handy tool to have.

Many rod buildrs wrap a small trim wrap just above the end of the grip and fit the winding check over the thread. This provides a cushion so the winding check won't cut into the blank. I usually slide the winding check down to where it will be seated and then use a fly tying bodkin or toothpick to apply a very small amount of five minute epoxy on the inside of the winding check. When I slide it into place, the winding check will be glued to the thread and the end of the grip. I know that others use the finish they use on the butt wrap to also keep the winding check in place. I hope this helps.

Mike Blomme

Remember that your blank won't be exactly like others of the same model. Tiptop sizes will vary and so too will the area for the winding check. That one depends mostly on the length of your handle and where the check will fall. Thus, any specs somebody gives you may be close, but they won't be exact.

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Good Morning again Dave,
I just looked at my drill gauge, and the inexpensive one I have only goes down to 1/16th (or 6/64th. This will work for tip tops being 4/64th and above, but if the tip of the blank is a 3 or 3.5 the drill gauge won't work. The caliper will be better.

Mike Blomme

Thanks fellas. Mike, I have all the tools needed, I just wanted some dimensions so that I could order my components at one time. I have a nifty little Excel spreadsheet that fairly accurately estimates the winding check size, but I need butt and tip dimensions for it to work. I didn't want to have to wait the time it takes for the blank to arrive.

Dave