From an aesthetical or customer-pleasing view, Norman and others are certainly correct = belly down. I have even read Tom K. stating it makes for a more stable-casting rod. All belly-down beliefs are understood and I will certainly not say they are incorrect. That being said, I still prefer to build belly-up to provide a tick more” oomph” in the cast and when explained to my customers, most agree and have me build the rod that way. It is about education of Form-Follows-Function. Remember, the fish are always 5ft farther than we can cast! I can always employ ANGLING to adjust the dead-lift of a rod but cannot eek any more casting oomph without the belly positioned up, even if that eek only affords 4ft farther casts. But then, that is just me, again agreeing with Norman.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Sorry Rick i was away from the computer at a dinner gathering for the Holiday so just saw your question , Norm hit the mark though , you want to build it so the bend toward the end of the rod is least noticeable when the angler is glancing down the rod from the butt end , that usually equates to the tip being in the "Up" position.

Norman Miller Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I always build on the straightest axis with the
> tip pointing up. Gravity and the guides with cause
> the blank to straighten. Not only does this make
> the rod look better, but also increases the dead
> lift power of the rod. I just don’t like having
> the tip veering off to one side or the other, nor
> having a big bend in the rod if built with the tip
> pointing down. But that just my opinion.
> Norm


More than a few commercial rod operations do the same thing, for the same reason.

............

Well I sent pictures and a video of the crooked blanks. Talked with Mike at RODgeeks and he is sending me two replacement blanks. No hassles. Agreed they where not normal.
I just wanted to let you all know how I came out. I did learn a few things that I will remember from now on.
Thanks for all of the input.
Rick

RODgeeks
That's what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow , that is customer service well above and beyond the norm , now if i called with the same issue they would say " You cut it you own it " but i live Murphy's Law so thats to be expected . Anyway very happy for you and mad props to RodGeeks .

Agree with Herb, and expected issues due to having cut it. That being said, cutting it didn't make the tip crooked! And no useless back and forth shipping nonsense a big plus in my book. Rodgeeks you make me proud. Now Rick, about those crooked blanks.....