Typically, I eyeball the amount of deflection between the line and blank when testing guide placements, and haven't had any problems. If it looks right, it probably is right has been my recent approach. However, I seem to remember reading somewhere the maximum angle of deflection that some authority had proscribed as acceptable. Does anyone know an accepted figure? 15 degrees? 7 degrees? I remember years ago pulling out a protractor and measuring, but now I can't remember the standard. Becoming an old fart evidently has its drawbacks! Not as serious as the alternative, but drawbacks nonetheless!:) Thanks to all.
Slainte,
Hunter

From ghoulies and ghosties,
and long leggedy beasties,
and things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord deliver us!

I don't know an authoritative answer. With that caveat, it seems that if we allow 90 degrees maximum rod deflection, and divide that 90 degrees by 6 guides, the deflection should be around 15%. Inrease the number of guides, decrease the angle of deflection.

stress the rod then adjust the guide location so that the line clears the blank. THEN adjust as needed

Kerry, I am going to presume that your reference would be for a trolling or baitcasting rod where the guides are mounted on top of the blank. Unfortunately, I am referring to a spinning rod with the guides wrapped on the underside of the blank. Hopefully, I am incapable of placing any guides there so that the line doesn't clear the blank. :) I guess I should have made that more clear in my original post. Sorry.
Tight lines,
Hunter

From ghoulies and ghosties,
and long leggedy beasties,
and things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord deliver us!