I am want to start building custom fly and surf rods. I have sarted with a fly rod. My first question is: I ordered some single foot ceramic guides and tip top but I don't like the looks of the tip top. Can I use a standard tip top without causing too much problems? Secondly, can I use a spead bit to bore out the handle for the reel seat hood? My thanks to anyone who can respond! Wayne

How long and what weight fly rod And if you have any scrap blanks you can make your own reamers for reaming the handle.

Bill - willierods.com

Yes, you can use any tip top that you would like

yes and yes

I was just thinking if it is a 6 wt or lower I would use wire guides

Bill - willierods.com

I agree with Bill on this one.
I would use wire guides all of the way, including the tip.
There is really not much reason to use a ceramic or other high end guide on a fly rod. You will also appreciate the much much lighter weight of the wire guides compared to any type ringed guide.

Roger

Any tip-top??? As in boat rod tip-top??? Definitely NO!! I like the REC Recoil tip-tops but they are not good looking - but they are the lightest and do make a difference in performance. The other options are chromed tip-tops made for fly rods.

Ceramics on any fly rod - except the stripper - will rob the blank of performance. i.e. it will feel "soggy"
Herb

If you mean a "spade bit" they can be pretty touchy when cutting cork and can catch and gouge easily. If you have them, a Forstner bit works better and cleaner.

I use a conventional hole saw that I have tweaked to cut the exact size hole riquired. I then use progressively smaller diameter saws to ream-out the inside portions.

If you send your email I will send pics and results.
Herb

Phil,
Thanks, that was good advise on the bit. I found one at Lowe's.

Herb,
Thanks for your advise. What are your thoughts on single foot wire and snake guides?

I have gotten so spoiled by REC guides, I dont use anything else on rods down to
2wt. I really dont like the way snakes look. Since I am pretty rough on equipment,
the RECs are just what I need and they are good for casting.

Wayne,
Like Dave, I only use REC recoils. Mostly single foot. I just installed recoil snakes on an 11wt that I overline with a #12 line and I was pleasantly surprised. I am tempted to use the snakes on rods that can handle the extra weight of the second wrap.
But they will always be REC recoils. I use Fuji Ti SiC for the stripper.

I have seen too many chromed guides corrode on hi end factory rods - even on hi end custom - rods to ever use them.
Regards,
Herb