The foot of my guide is slightly wider then the OD of my blank, is it possible to thin the foot up and if so how do I go by doing it?

Jonathan Yergin

Jonathon:

The SEARCH link above is the best place to go with a question like that.

Be sure to search ALL DATES to get the best results.

Here"s a link from a search I just ran using the term: Shaping guide feet

If you need more answers enter the topic with different wording. . . such as "guide prep"

Most guide feet need to be prepped in some way even when they are not wider than the blank.

There are many ways to do the work and you'll find the one you prefer by trial and success.

I use a small flat file to shape the front slope as well as the sides.

I hold the guide on one corner of the flat top of a Grizzly Baby Anvil ($7.25) with the foot pointed out. This gives me good support and access to the work area.

It's easier to file one side with strokes going outward. With a little practice I can now file the other side with inward strokes just almost as adeptly. I hope I am making myself clear.

[www.grizzly.com]

For filing the bottom I hold the guide on top of a round file and slide it against the grain. A few light strokes is usually all it takes.

The properly shaped guide foot will permit thread to climb easily and have a slight concave shape on the bottom. The entire foot must be free from all burrs.

Many use power tools for the job. Dremel tools and small belt sanders are popular choices.

It's a very simple task once you get the hang of it no matter which method you choose.

As with almost every step of building rods there are numerous methods which will work well. Finding those which suit you best is part of the fun.

I wish you well in all your future rod crafting.

Dave

Jonathan,
Yes, folks do it all of the time.
If you do remove material from a guide foot, just do it in such a way that the main guide strength is not compromised.

I do all of my guide foot prep on a 1 inch wide belt sander with about a 150 grit sanding belt on the sander.

I adjust the sander so that the vertical belt is sitting sideways to me. Then , it is easy to thin the thickness of the guide foot as well as the width if necessary.
I basically thin the foot to a near razors edge on the end in a continouous taper to the elevated section of the gide foot. This makes for easy wrapping and does little to compromise the strength of the guide foot.

[www.harborfreight.com]

[www.tools-plus.com]

Roger

Johnathon,

I use a dremel tool. Prepared a stone wheel by cutting a "v" in it with the edge of a small file. Now I just mount the dremel in a vise insert prepared cutting wheel and shape top, bottom and sides of guides. Works well for me, quick and accurate. Full guide set takes 5 min. Sometimes I need to touch with small file or finger nail emery board.

Good Luck, John

JLS Custom Rods
Cassadaga, NY

Roger -

Can I ask for your guidance on using a belt sander? I just trashed a $15.00 fuji stripper because I cut off some of the length on each foot and made the rounded end in to a very unattractive "V".

I think my angle of attack is wrong.

HELP

Thanks,

Tony