I started prepping guides for my 2 wt. tonight, and they are really small. Single foot fly guides, size 3, 2, 1 and 1/0. I'm using PacBay Minima guides, and it seems like the foot is ground down enough for the thread to move up it, but I'm having trouble getting a tight fit between the bottom of the guide and the blank. I'm using a chainsaw file, matching the blank diameter, and the problem is the thin part of the foot seems to tip up compared to the thicker part of the foot under the ring. Is this 'tip up' the normal way for the guide to sit, or should I try to file it out?

I'm also using masking tape to fasten my guides prior to wrapping, does anyone have a good way to pin these small guides down, and align them, without using three hands?

Thanks!

Hi Abraham,
You can use a small pair of pliers to bend the tip down slightly so it matches the blank and you get a good transission. You'll have to practice a bit to get it right. When you prep them try to get a gradual taper rather a quick one.
There's a lot of ways to hold down guides. I find that small diameter round sewing elastic works well for me. Others will chime in with what works best for them so you can choose one that suits you.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/27/2012 10:04PM by Col Chaseling.

you can try the small rubber bands used for Dental appliances that you can get from places that sell braces

Flexcoat makes an excellent guide foot adhesive, with just a little practice it is easy and quick to use, and yes, you can still adjust the guide after wrapping.

Thanks guys, by the end of the rod I was getting much better working with masking tape. I was looking through the Mudhole catalogue, has any one used the pre ground PacBay snake guides? What exactly do they mean by preground, just the foot edge, or is the bottom of the foot ground as well?

Hi Abram,
Usually just the top and they usually need more work to get them right.. No experience with the guides you mentioned.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Thanks!