I purchased a Lamiglas xmg50 blank from Mudhole at the show. The blank is the lp843. When I was looking at it last night, there are visible ribs in the top 8 inches of the blank. Is this normal for that blank? It is almost like it wasn't completely sanded in that part of the blank.

Thanks
Rick

Rick,
No normal "production" blank should have visible ribs.

Normally, the ribs are part of the layup process and a good production run will sand off all of the ribs.

Either sand off the ribs, or exchange it for a different blank.

i.e.
Unless you like the looks of the ribs. Sometimes these ribs add a rather unique special effect. They really don't affect the action of the rod except to make it a touch heavier.

Take care
Roger

Roger;
With out trying to sound arrogant you are wrong.
I know of at least one bank maker that leaves a certain amount of the ribbing on the blank.
There thought process is that the slightly increased thickness adds to the blanks durability.


Rick;
In your case I would call and ask, could be the same manufacturer making that blank

roger wilson Wrote:
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> Either sand off the ribs, or exchange it for a
> different blank.



I don't think I would be sanding. Sanding margins on blanks, especially near the tip are very small. 90% of my builds are on unfinished blanks and many of these have noticable ribs. I've never noticed a performance issue nor had a client complain or ask about them.

Fish on.

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AD

I agree. Some of my XMGs and even my NFCs have visible "ribs"

Like Alex and Steve said, manufacturers have to be very careful when sanding the tip areas, especially on a blank with a very thin tip like those XMG LP blanks. This is one of the main reasons why so many blanks get painted, cosmetic defects that have no bearing on the rods function get covered up and they get to have a much higher yield of sellable blanks. I strip the paint off of nearly all the blanks I build on and many of them have ridges at the tip or transitions between patterns that are not the most aesthetically pleasing to look at but have no effect on the function.

Thanks guys. I thought that would be the case. It clearly starts where the taper changes and is consistant from that point to the top. I had never built on a blank like this before and wanted to make sure before I fired it up.

Rick

On the XMG's the tips are final sanded by hand so that is left to avoid oversanding of a very thin wall.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Steve,
You are right, I am not familiar with every single rod and blank, and it is certainly up to the manufacturer to leave ribs on a blank if they prefer.
I apologize.

Take care
Roger