i have a 7' crankbait blank i want to build. the tip is crooked , about the last foot or so. the deviation is approx. 1/2"-makes about a 1" circle when blank is turned. i don't want to trim the blank, going to use it myself. my question is should i build with the bend arcing toward the ground or the sky as i cast? why? i did a search already. didn't come up with an answer. i am leaning toward building with the bend up instead of down. your expertise is needed.
i got this blank at the 2008 expo-didn't notice the bend then. the manufacturer/ seller is of no concern since it is not an issue with me. i like all the sponsors here- great service- even scary delivery times(two days to my door!). i will probably do a spiral micro wrap so spine will not matter , even if it did. i have about six blanks handled up and ready to wrap.

Most builders are building according to the straightest access, build it with the tip - up - the shy This way the weight of the guides could make it straight ??

Bill - willierods.com

I agree,and I do it as Bill described....straightest axis with the curve pointing up.

Woody,
Actually, I don't think that it really makes much difference.
However, if I do get a rod with a bent tip, I typically build it with the tip down.
Yes, you probably lose a bit of power, but I do it simply from a cosmetic reason. With the guides etc all in place, the droop of the tip tends to disappear.

I find that if I build it with the tip up, it seems that I find that the bend seems to be exagerated.

I really don't think it makes much difference. Just do it the way that you like the rod to look when it is finished.

Roger

Makes no sense - The weight of the guides WILL make the blank STRAIGHTEN out - Gravity

Simple - common sense What you are talking about - IS NUTS !!!!

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/21/2010 06:54PM by bill boettcher.

Bill,
What you say is true if you have a very slight crook to the tip and if the guides are somewhat heavy.

But if you have an exagerated bend in the end of the rod, and if your guides are very light, you will get virtually no change to the bend in the rod with the weight of the rods.

But, a person can put the guides on with the bend, against the bend, or to either side of the bend.

It is what ever makes the person happy with the finished appearance of the rod.

Good luck
REW

I can not see it - but it is your rod do it your way.

Bill - willierods.com