I have a 13' fly rod blank I intend to build it into a two hander some day. Meanwhile, my favorite steam opens up in a couple of days. I would like to mount some temporary guides on this blank to go fishing, sorta Tenkara Style....or dappling if you will.

But later on I want to take these guides off and build the rod.

I am going to use cork tape, or waterproof medical tape for a temporary grip material and just tape a reel on.

What would be a good way to mount guides all along the blank strong enough to fish with? And then remove them later on to build the rod?

Small tyraps, duct tape, wrapped thread with no epoxy, heat shrink.....?

oh...and can I get by with single foot guides...or should I use double foot guides for a temporary mount?

Thanks if any answers.

wrapped thread with no epoxy. DOn't even tie off each guide just spiral on th blank between each guide - scroll to the bottom of this page: [northeastrodbuilders.com] the guids were temp wrapped in this maner and held up just fine - the just spun around to th bottom of th rod but held on no problem

Rod Building Thread, several good coats of CP, let cure well, and go fishing. when you're ready to remove the guides, just slice the thread and unravel.

DR

I would guess that shrink wrap tubing would be a cost effective, easy to remove solution.

Eugene Moore

Jim,
don't complicate things.
Just take 1/8th or 1/4 inch wide masking tape and tape on the guides.
Take along a roll of tape when you go fishing. If one guide happens to loosen, retape it.

Simple and easy.
Roger

Hi,

Anytime I want to test a rod set up I spiral wrap the guides in place and hold the guides on with 1 turn of masking tape. I have yet to have a guide move or come off. I have been know to fish the salt for a whole season this way

Capt Neil Faulkner

Only problem with tape is the residue that some tapes leave behind.

Billy,
Tape residue is a zero issue.

After removing the tape, simply take a paper towel that has been wetted with mineral spirits and give the rod a good wipe down.
The mineral spirits (paint thinner) is a perfect material to completely dissolve and remove the tape adhesive without harming the finish on the rod.

Then, simply take another towel that has been wetted with Alchol and rub the blank down with this towel to remove the residue oil film that has been left behind by the paint thinner or mineral spirits.

You really need to do the two step procedure, becuase alshol by itself is not such a good cleaner for the tape residue. This is in contrast to the mineral spirits which is a perfect cleaner for the tape residue.

Take care
Roger

From what I have seen,mineral spirits or alcohol can remove the finish from some blanks. Or at least the colored "top coat." I would suggest doing a test where the handle and seat will be mounted BEFORE using either. Another consideration is Goo Gone.

Ralph did a article in RM about putting guides on with no wrap he just super glued them in-place an put a couple of coats of c PG on them an went fishing. But when it came to replacing I believed he heated them an the fell off. I maybe wrong someone correct me

Good Wraps Bob

Jim,

I have encountered the same dilemma, I fished with just the thread holding the guides for the entire weekend. No CP or epoxy.
Now the threads where a little frayed and not suitable for finishing after the trip, but it was just fine for fishing.

Clean, re-thread and finish the rod after your trip and no-worries!

Catch a big one!

~Mark

Bast part about using thrad s th guides are already held in place adn you do not needto cut off or peeloff or clean anything to re-wrap the guides.

Do a search on Sellotape on the following link:

[www.myfishcasting.com]

A search for tape will turn up some interesting results.

Also, if your guide feet are not perfectly smooth, put a wrap of tape under the guide foot.

Don Becker

Billy Vivona hit the nail on the head. Wrap the guides without a finish on them. If the rod feels good and you are happy with the placement and the wraps are still in good condition, rinse the rod let it dry and apply finish. If the wraps are frayed or damaged in any way, you know your placement is good re-wrap and finish.

Tight lines,

John Hernandez