I did a search and it had alot of good info. but getting ready to start rod #3 and been told you need to find the spine and told that with todays blanks there is no need to locate the spine. What do most rod builders do? What a great hobby to have.

There is no need to find the spine on any blank, but it won't hurt anything if you do. It does not affect rod twist nor casting accuracy, and actually results in a slight reduction in lifting power ( [www.rodbuilding.org] ) so it's not necessary. But again, it won't hurt anything if you do.

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It is still a controversial subject! Many still build on the spine, while probably just as many others build on the straight axis. Just saw a presentation of St Croix's Wisconsin plant, and they build on the straight axis. That is also the way I do it. I only build fly rods.

There are still two theories on the geometry of the world. One side says it's round, the other says it's flat. Are both valid?

It may be controversial, but the evidence, data and tests are all in on the side that says spine does not matter. The other side only has theories with not a single bit of evidence nor data to support those theories.

Not trying to be contrary, but with a complete and utter lack of any actual facts behind it, the idea that building on or that orienting the spine in any particular position is important is like sticking to the idea that the world is flat.

But again, other than a slight reduction in lifting power, building on the spine won't hurt a thing.

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Thanks Tom great read.

Phil Erickson Wrote:
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> It is still a controversial subject! Many still
> build on the spine, while probably just as many
> others build on the straight axis. Just saw a
> presentation of St Croix's Wisconsin plant, and
> they build on the straight axis. That is also the
> way I do it. I only build fly rods.

What do you mean by the straight axis and how is that determined? Is it the symmetrical appearance of all of the blank piece when put together? Sort of like they are all on the same path. I hope that's not too confusing.
Bruce

All blanks will have a slight curve or warp. If you turn the blank so that any such curve or warp is up and down, instead of side to side, you have what is considered the straightest axis.

Generally, in order to allow the weight of the guides to help bring the blank back into straight, you would position this curve so that in the fishing position the butt and tip are high and the belly is low. Make sense?

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I guess it all depends on who the King is. At one time if you did not build along the spine you were a heretic. I build on the straight axis and have not been hit by lightning yet. Do what you feel comfortable with.

The trouble is, the spine proponents never did, and still haven't, provided any tests nor data to explain why it would be important to build on the spine.

Another thing to remember is, none of us can fish or cast on a single axis.

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this is some good stuff I believe I may have just learned something. I have read bitts and peices on the spine topic but didnt really understand , now I think I do , in the past I wrapped on the spine but I will try the straight axis .