I am trying to find threads on prepping rod guides, I search several different ways. Any help with a search or the actual prepping would be appreciated.

I am using stainless guides and understand you have to grind and finish so windings will have a smooth transition. What I don't know is after the grinding, should the guides be
coated withing something or are they ready to go. I have read somewhere you should not use sharpies due to some chemical in the ink.

Can someone guide me here. Would be really appreciated due to the fact this is my next step. Thanks, Joe

Kept searching and did find a few things. Found it under guide prep, go figure. LOL. Was searching preparing guides, prepping guides and so on.

Joe,
Here is a picture of a guide prep tool using a 1X30 inch belt sander to prep guides.

The guide prep tool is nothing more than a section of blank, with a flat headed machine bolt through the guide and blank - held tight with a wing nut.

Then I use 150 grit or so paper on a 1 X 30 inch belt sander to thin out the guide tip.

By using the bolt and blank to hold the guide, one can do a nice even job without having a finger get in the way.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Using the holder and sander means that you can prep each spinning guide in about 2 or 3 seconds and a double foot guide in 5-10 seconds.

Good luck
REW

Thanks, what I have to use is a roto tool with disks ,but I do like the holding tool. Joe

Hi Joe,
When searching use "all dates" and you'll get more.
Anything with chlorine or chlorides can accelerate corrosion in stainless. Some guys use nail polish or paint etc to coat the feet. I don't use anything and don't have a problem when using stainless guides. When coated with finish air and water shouldn't get in and without that you won't get corrosion. Keep an eye on guides for cracks in the finish which will let it in.
After prepping the feet check the edges for any sharp bits which should be smoothed off.
Check the post "Rusting guides" further down the page and you find some guys don't prep them at all.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Yes , was wondering if using d thread if I would have to grind or not. Would hate to ruin the stainless.

Try this [www.youtube.com]

Dont use something with chlorine. It will react with the metal.

One of the great things about Kigan guides - I never prep feet even with size A thread.

Hydra Fishing, LLC

Online: [www.hydrafishing.com]
Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Email: info@hydrafishing.com

I use a 6 inch bench grinder from Harbour Freight, Item #43533, that has a grinding wheel and a wire wheel. Its small, great for guides and the wire wheel takes of any burrs. Fits easily on any bench or can be put away if space is needed. @$34.00. I also use nylon bolts to hold the guides while grinding, similiar to the manner Roger uses his guide holding tool.

Thanks all, Will check out harbor freight which is right down the road from me.

Joe,
The 1X30 inch belt sander that I use was also purchased from Harbor Freight.

I have found many many uses for the belt sander for rod building as well as many other uses.

If you also pick up a variety of sanding belts in grits from about 80 to 400 you will have the variety needed to handle many chores.

One of the nice things about using a belt sander as listed above, is that you are working on a flat surface - rather than a curved surface.

Also, if you don't want a hard back to the sandpaper, you can always do your work above the table in the unsupported area.

Good luck
REW

HF belt sander for me too.

Heading to Harbor Freight today.

I use the 3" grinder from Harbor freight. Sits on the end of my bench. The fiber wheel provides a nice polished finish after grinding to shape.

I use forceps to hold my guides during grinding.

Terry

Well I checked but didn't buy yet. Harbor freight has both inexpensive grinders and belt sanders.

Now, should gide feet have no rounded edges after grinding? Flat across the top rising up the foot? Then buffed down? Now with stainless after grinding can I just "borrow" my wifes clear coat nail polish to coat?

I know allot of questions but,,, much appreciated. Thanks, Joe



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/01/2012 07:48AM by Joe Lane.

Joe.
When I prep my guide feet, I use a 1X30 inch vertical belt sander.
When I hold the guide, I hold it at 90 degrees to the running belt.
I use 150 grit paper on the sander.
Now, by using the 150 grit on the sander with the guide held perpendicular to the running belt, I end up with fine groove running across the face of the guides.
As I prep the guides, I roll the guide across the face of the sander so that I end up with a rounded top on the guide with thin edges. This allows the guide foot to nicely follow the contour of the rod and have no bulges.
The fine lines across the face of the guides act as "grippers" for the thread to adhere to, to make for a more secure guide installation.

I never polish off the perpendicular sanding scratches, because the scratches help to secure the guide in place.

Take care
REW

Thanks Roger...