doing my first surf rod. tip top I ordered is probably 1 size to small. Can I sand or file tip blank down to fit tip.

would like to have this rod done in 2 weeks for a surf trip I have planned, and don't want to have to order a new one and wait for new shipment. I set my guides using the static guide placement method, which I think, for surf rods will be even more critical than the fly rod, and baitcaster I've built so far.

any advice before I take a small file & sand paper to tip of blank. won't take much can get tip of blank just less than a mm into tip (after trying to stretching tiptop with bodkin)...

help. wanted to get a jump on this rod over long weekend.


info:
10' Seeker blank,
tip BPOT-10-6.0 1 Fuji Al. Oxide All Purp. Top - Black

Blank tip seems to be a 6.0 at smallest point. doesn't slide on.

thanks in advance.

No, don't reduce the blank tip - there is little margin for error there and you'll wind up with walls that are too thin to do what needs to be done. You can safely remove the paint, but you won't want to get into the fibers there.

Order a new tiptop.

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doh, same thing with a fly tip top I just tried. ah well live and learn. order a size larger than I thought. newb problems suck.

side note: fuji plate style rod seat is hot! taped to blank and i like it already!!!!

so.... if i did sand file down the first 1/4 inch or less rod blank would be compromised? even though its under metal sheath? devils advocate question haven't done it yet... file in hand (lol... just kidding).

At some point, you're going to have to sand down past that point to get it to fully seat. If it were me, I'd either get the right sized top or wrap a double foot guide on for a tiptop as we showed in a recent issue of RodMaker, ala Ken Preston. One leg gets folded under and the guide functions nicely as a tiptop and will fit any rod blank.

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Chris,
I assume that this is a tubular blank. i.e. the blank is hollow all of the way from the butt to the tip of the rod.

Assuming that this is true, it is NOT a good idea to try to thin the tip. If you do, you are sanding away tip strength.

On the other hand, if the blank were a solid blank - or a solid tip, then there is more inherent strength all of the way through the tip. Although still not a good idea, it would be more possible to thin out a solid tip than a hollow tip.

If you need the rod done right away, just tie on a sigle foot guide.

If this is your rod, you can always come back later, cut off the guide and put on the right tip.

Take care
Roger

When ordering tops it is always a good idea to have the suppler fit one on to make sure it fits. Or order two, one the size called for and one larger to make sure you have one that fits.
Tube size that is.

Bill - willierods.com

- - - - - to put on ANY top, I allow "space" for glue; that is ; a loose fit
seems to be what is "practical; and NO sanding; might weaken the walls. . . . . .

jocko

Since tip tops are so cheap compared to everything else on the rod I always order at least two. I also gently scrape off the finish (only) at the tip for better glue adhesion. Since the area is fully encased in a metal tube I'm not at all concerned about diminishing rod strength.