Hi all,
Once again I am reaching out for help.
I am building on NF SB683 blank, tip top. 4.5.
Blank O.D. 1.6mm.
I will use 4.5 Fuji TORZITE Titanium T2-KTTG running guides.

Should I use 4.5f- 1.8mm tip top pipe size or 1.6mm will be enough? or should I go with 4F or 5F tip top and 1.8mm or 1.6 mm pipe?
Is there "tip top" general rule you all use?
Thanks.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/07/2022 07:25PM by Dee Rama.

The one that fits snugly without having to force it gets my vote everytime, don't overthink the little stuff.

^^ What he said.

Spencer Phipps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
...
> don't overthink the little stuff.

...all things are little.

Yeah, I figured it'll be the best course of action. The problem I have is that I don't have a bunch of tip tops laying around(first build). I thought there are some tip top rules and regulations you follow:).
I guess I'm going to learn this one the hard way.
Thanks.

You need to buy a sizing guide for tip tops. This will allow you to accurately measure the blank and buy the correct size all the time. It has been my experience to order a tip top a half size bigger than the blank measures, it works best for me. The specs for your blank state the tip measurement at 4.5, I would buy a 4.5 (1.8mm) tube tip top.

Steve

The NFC catalog says it should be fitted with a size 4.5 tip top. In other words, the tube size of the tip top should be 4.5/64”. Tip top sizes are commonly measured in 64 ths of an inch, this is how most tip tops are sold in the US. The ring size of the the tip top is measured in millimeters, and usually the tip top ring is the same size as the running guides, in your case that is 4.5 mm. Some people like to up the ring size a little, so a size 5 mm ring would also be fine. I like to keep the ring size of the tip the same size as the runners, but that’s your choice. I would order a tip top having 4.5mm ring with a 4.5/64” tube.
Norm

Dee
If you continue with the craft I assure you that over time you will have an ample supply of various tip tops for projects, repairs etc.

Tip tops are no different than reel seats, arbors, grips, butt caps, one prepares them to fit snug and then bonds them together.

Have fun

John

Dee,
While most blank manufacturers supply accurate tip (and butt) measurements, do not rely on it each and every time!!! If ordering the blank and tip top from the same vendor, ask them to “size” the tip top to the actual blank; most will gladly do it for you. If they will not accommodate you = find a different vendor who will.
There is nothing wrong with Steve’s suggestion of ordering a tip top a ½ size (.008in) larger = certainly better than the tip top being a ½ size (or even .001in) too small!!! In the end, you do NOT want the tip top too snug = some difference in diameter is desirable to allow the adhesive (hot melt or epoxy) to easily flow entirely around the joint.

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

Can't wait for all the parts to arrive so I can start building.
Thanks a lot.

Buy a measuring guide:

[mudhole.com]

First check the size of the tip by inserting the tip of the rod into the various holes until you find one that matches.

Then, order a tip top that matches what you just measured.

Especially with these days of micro - I will generally use a tip top that is at least one size larger than the rest of the guides. I just find that for myself, the use of a slightly larger tip top helps to pass knots and minimize issues for myself.

Others use the same size tip top as indicted by the measuring gauge.

Best wishes

I can certainly understand Dee’s dilemma about tip top size. I m sure he wants to have all the components in hand and to start building the rod as soon as it arrives. Some problems with this are: First, NFC does not sell guides or tip tops, so you can’t ask them to fit a tip top for you. Second, the rod is not yet in hand, so one is forced to trust the tip top size given in the catalog. If you don’t trust the tip top size given bu NFC then you have to either buy two tip tops, or one that is a size larger, or wait until the blank arrives before buying the tip top. Third, buying the tip top first is that the Fiji Titanium Torzite KG tip top costs more than $26 ea, making it an expensive proposition to buy extra tip tops, or buy the wrong size. So probably the best thing to do is to wait until after the blank arrives, so the right size tip top can be purchased. This may delay building, but not by much.
Norm

What Norm said. The best way is to wait till you have the blank in hand and go from there. And if your guides are 4.5 I would go with 4.5 or 4 for the ring size. It looks better if the tip top is same size or smaller

Right on, Norman Miller. Very insightful and helpful post.

blanks are on hands. couldn't pass on buy 1 get 2 free offer. tip measure came at 1.6mm
Thanks

blanks are on hands. couldn't pass on buy 1 get 2 free offer. tip measure came at 1.6mm
Thanks

NFC has been talking about a store front with components in the new place for some time, we can only hope. I don't think Fuji would be their first choice to sell however.

Dee,
Just curious as to why you select the use of Torzite guides.

Yes, they are one of the most expensive guides on the market, but what else do they have.

If you compare the casting distance between rod set up with torzite guides compared to say - pac bay minima steel guides, I doubt very much that you would find any difference.

If you compare durability with all of the guides - except for the tip top - I would expect that you would find any difference.

Yes, I do think that I gip top with a ceramic or other similar material liner does give more durability.

Just wondering.

Best wishes

Roger,
I am going for the build below 3 oz total weight.
My lightest finesse big brand rod seats at 3.17 oz.
I know it not much of the difference but I am trying to push it as low as possible.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Thanks.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/09/2022 11:33PM by Dee Rama.