Overlooked!
Posted by:
roger wilson
(---.hsd1.mn.comcast.net)
Date: June 18, 2015 09:28AM
I "overlooked" doing a deep flex on one of the blanks that I used for a recent rod build.
I was building several rods, using the same blank. I normally do a "deep flex" of the blank, where I give the blank a 90 degree deep flex bend before ever starting a build. If there is some sort of defect in a blank - I want to expose the defect before I ever start the build.
All of the rods turned out great and the customers took delivery.
On all but one of the rods the clients have spent some time - happily using the rods with excellent results. However, on one rod, the client went to the lake, started fishing, hooked one small fish, set the hook and snapped the rod in 1/2.
When he brought it over, I examined the rod and it was a completely clean break with no signs of crushing or other prior damage that might have led to the failure.
The manufacturer is supplying a new blank and it will be fine, but now, I have to go to the trouble to build another rod for the client, when if I had done the deep flex before starting the build, I would have saved the time and expense in the initial rod construction.
In the main time, I have repaired the initial rod to let the customer have a rod to enjoy and it is working well. But, just to caution others, don't overlook this important step when building a new rod. Better to have the blank fail in the shop, than on the water in the hands of the customer.
Over the years, I have had very very few blank failures caused by manufacturing defects. But it has happened, and if caught early, does not require rebuilding a rod; only using another blank.
Be safe
By the way, don't ask about the particular blank or manufacturer. The supplier is supplying the new blank as requested and the problem is resolved. Just once in a great while a defect can slip through a manufacturing line and get to the customer. Do your part to avoid the issue before you start a build.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/2015 09:30AM by roger wilson.
