I am building a couple of North Fork Composite float rods and will be using Recoil spinning guides. I was wondering if there are any negative impact if I was to file the guide feet down so that I get a smooth transition wrap from blank to guide feet. I am afraid that if I file the guide feet down till it gets sharp that it would damage the blank when the rod is loaded/flexed.

Also, on the NFC guide placement chart, does the number mean where the rings should be or does it mean where the guide feet should be? When you use a size 40 stripper guide, there could be a difference of approx 1.25" to 1.5" from guide foot to ring. So just curious to know if the guide placement chart refer to where the rings should line up or where the guide feet should line up.

Thank you in advance!

File the guide feet down just as you described; that is the correct way to prep the guide feet.

The NFC placement chart is just a guide to start with; it is not a hard, fast, guide position regimen. It won't matter if you exactly match the numbers.

Tape the guides on, then bend the rod and adjust the guides to distribute the stress evenly, if needed. Do a some test casts; play with the position of the stripper guide, making sure it casts and handles like you want it to. Then start wrapping!

Don't make too much of the placement process, it is really simple for a float rod and centerpin (assuming, here) reel. If it looks right, and casts right, it is right.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/01/2013 08:33PM by Joel Wick.

Thanks Joel. That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I always like the clean look of the filed down guide feet but was afraid I would damage the blanks with the sharpened feet. Thanks again! Gonna start filing now ;-)!

You just want to avoid any burrs or sharp edges that will dig into the blank. Normally, a quick polish on the top and bottom of the guides smooths out any rough edges from prepping.

Terry

The G Loomis charts were at the ring, can't believe Gary would change now.

Thank you all for the assistance! This helps tremendously!