I'm about to build a Calstar 6465XH with Aftco roller guides. I've built many rods, but I've never done one with roller guides before.
I'm probably over thinking it but...I'm wondering if using the tip-top heat glue is sufficient for this or should I go with epoxy?
Advice?

Epoxy offers the strongest bond.

Our tip top adhesive is on the biggest rods you can imagine and holds up. Also, easy to adjust and repair if ever needed.

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Daniel,
Both of the Johns are correct. However, I agree with Mr. Cates and always use tip tip adhesive (hot melt). Just because there may be a 200lb BlueFin tuna on the end of the line does not equate to 200lb of force trying to directly pull the tip top off; I doubt there is 2lbs of force. Just make sure the tube of the tip top is full of melted tip top adhesive and oozes out when installing to ensure full contact between the roller and blank. I have never had a tip top come loose, but, admittedly, have only been building rods for 6 years.

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

Thank you all.
I’ll stick with hot melt.
Cheers!

We build tons of roller guide rods at our shop here in South Florida, and one big rule is to not use epoxy under roller tops. Keep in mind, years down the road if you need a repair or if better tops come out, sometimes the adhesion between the tip top and the blank is so strong that no amount of heat and force will remove that top. I've ruined about 2-3 rods that have come in for repair because of epoxy under the top.

Use a good tip top glue, and when coating the tip wrap, make sure the epoxy wets the bottom edge of the top, that's where you get the little extra strength on the top. For future removal, warm up the epoxy on the tip wrap and slice it right at the top, then a little heat and it'll pop off easily.

Both will hold just fine if properly applied. If you ever wish to replace a damaged tip top, re-align a tip-top, or just replace one with a better one you will be rewarded if you you used a heat-melt glue.