Hello again to all , just thought I would update everyone on my first build. The choke point ended up at about a foot from the end of a 9 ft lami. I used 6 reduction guides to get there. I glued the handle components and set the guides according to the line path at 27x spool diameter which wound up being the same distance as the table edge method (coincidence ?). At any rate I could not be happier with the results. I gained 30 yards over what I thought the guide placement should be. Kudos to T.K. for the patient replies to my questions . He is dead right about the guide and choke point . For anyone new to this , study it a little then do what the directions recommend. It is very easy to over think it. Thanks again to all - STEVERENO

Glad it worked out well for you. Maybe for your next build you can do one with a smaller reel so you won't need as many reduction guides. Did you catch a fish yet? I always consider it a good omen if I get one on the first trip with a new rod.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.