A customer wants his one piece rod cut,and a ferrule added for travel. Do you order a ferrule by measuring the rod at the cut point, the rod measures 10 mm, do I order a 10 mm ferrule ?

If it were me, I'd make ferrules from glass. That would be much lighter, although it will take more work on your part.

Otherwise, order your ferrule first, measured to fit the general area where the rod is to be cut. Once you have it, then cut the rod to fit the ferrule.

Use the lower ferrule piece for sizing.

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I would use glass too. I have had very good results making spigot ferrules from solid fiberglass rod obtained from McMaster-Carr.

I take a section longer than I need and chuck it up in the lathe, then use a block of wood and sandpaper to turn it down to the correct taper (I have a wood lathe. If you have a metal lathe you could just use the cutting tool). Take your time and test the fit on the upper section and you will do well. When you cut the blank, make sure you factor in the length of the ferrule. The tip section should be cut longer than the butt to accomodate the extra couple of inches of ferrule.

Also, don't forget to use a facemask and a dust collection system as the fiberglass fibers can blow around quite a bit.


Walt

Hat tip: Tom Morgan, former owner of Winston Rods.