I was trying to figure what ruler rod builder use to measure each guides on rod like 3, 5,10, and more do u use 1 ft ruler or a 3 ft ruler ? or a both well i'm trying to get some advice so i can run and get ruler to measure guide placement from a chart under st. croix but i still trying to contact lamiglas company about the chart for muskie rods,
Josh

I find a tape measure to be the best thing. I put the rod on the carpet and run the tape measure next to it. Then I put the guides on with surgical tubing and static test.

I use one of the carpenters folding rulers.

I use a sewing tape none stretchable flexible strip marked with inches. I bought mine at Joans sewing and fabric store.I'll try to send you a photo. They also have them with a peel off back for you to stick down on your work bench.

I epoxied a fabric tape measure to edge of my work bench. On the end I nailed in a little piece of wood that sticks out at a 90 degree angle that acts as a stop right where the tape measure begins.

Another suggestion for a tape to put on the bench:

[www.leevalley.com]

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

i bought a sticky backed ruler that fit in the thread carriage track on my power wrapper. Works great, the track kind of helps to hold the rod.

Sticky Backed fish measuring ruler stuck to rod table.

DR

Giant 5'0" metal carpenter's ruler ... available at home supply stores for less than $10.

Sometimes I use an architect ruler for the layout of the guide wraps/trim bands/inlays. All of the layout info is placed on an index card, one for each guide size. I use a regular tape measure some. Typically I'll do a static deflection test and mark guide ring location on the blank with a china marker. At that point guide location is fixed and I have no need to measure. I just place the guide on the mark and use a piece of masking tape i(n the width I want) and place one on each side of the guide's feet. That sets the length of my underwrap.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Josh,
I simply use a tape measure with a locking tape.
It is small fits the hand and it is easy to extend as much tape as needed.

Generally, I don't care much about the absolute spacing of the guides from the tip to the butt.
More often I am simply checking on the distance from one guide to the next when laying out the guides.
Therefore I seldom need a tape that measures much more than about 2 feet. Easy with the tape measure.
I tried using a ruler, but found it too big and bulky.
I tried using a scale that was on the bench, but found it too difficult to get good measurements.
I rather use the tape that is virtually touching the rod for exact guide measurements.
When, not needed, I retract the tape lock, the tape retracts and it fits nicely on the back of the bench out of the way.

Take care
Roger

I usually use 6" and 12" stainless rulers but also use regular tape measures on occasion.
I really like the 6" for laying out wraps becuse it is small and easy to manouver.

Regards
Dave

Fishing is Life the rest is just Details