I'm new to this hobby so here's another question:
I am considering buying a couple of the Lamiglas "S" glass "blem" blanks to make a fiberglass cranking rod for bass fishing and they only come in the 7' length. Although I like 7' rods it might be handy to have a 6-1/2' one also. Is it possible to cut these blanks or do I need to buy a shorter blank from another manufacturer?

Thanks

Mike

Yes you can, but depending on the rod, how much you cut can impact the performance substantially. I've cut from both ends to achieve a specific feel in the rod, and I've made big mistakes. Now I cut a little and feel, cut a little more a feel again. Another thing to remember is that the rod will perform faster or slower, depending on the weight of the components, when their attached compared to the feel of the blank without anything on it. In other words-how the blank feels before you put your guides, reel seat, and handle, will feel different once there all on and finish is applied. I'm by no means an expert here. This takes time and alot of experience to acurately predict what actions have an equal an opposite reaction. Try to remember balance as well. I'm struggling with that aspect, but I'm sure others on this site will pitch in give some important words of wisdom on this subject. Good luck

I'm pretty sure that no matter which end you cut from the blank will become less fast in action. Cutting from the butt makes it less fast and less powerful. Cutting from the tip makes it less fast and more powerful. That seems to be the gist from the better rod builders on this board.

I belive a book by Dale Clemens called FIBERGLASS ROD BUILDING can answer all your question about makeing a 2 piece rod from one long blank. I recomend you make your rod by using the spicket meathod. What I mean is to put a plug in the butt end and push it thru the cut end and form fit it to the top half.
Good luck Bob. For more detail give Todd a e mail at Lamiglas
Good luck Bob

Yes you can cut it and as long as your are removing a drastic amount you won't change the overall blank very much. But there are so many blanks in such a wide variety of lengths and powers available today that you might be better off just buying the exact model that will fit your needs.

Keep in mind as well, that most manufacturers will void the warranty if you alter the blank. That would usually include changing the length by cutting or extending it.
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My own opinion is that if it's a crankbait rod, I would cut it from the butt, but you should some of the advice that preceded this post. Bob Vasko