I was wondering why even the high end rod blanks generally have a wave/curve/bend toward the tip . Please don't get me wrong , I'm a rank novice and in no way am I complaining - just want to understand . I would think the mandrel would be made completely straight but can't understand why the blank that comes off it would be curved ? I guess it's not a functional problem but I'm just curious . Thanks

IMO;
The very process of fabrication prevents the blanks from being uniform. Resin impregnated fabric is rolled over a mandrel wrapped with tape and heat cured. Looking at a cross section, the “rolling” of the fabric results in multiple layers of fabric which may not lay concentric. The fact that the fabric is spiral wrapped there will be a non-homogeneous cross section. The cross section varies depending where the edge of the fabric starts and ends. The resin thickness between layers can vary. Somewhere along the cross section there can be one less layer than its opposite side. That probably contributes to defining the spine. Sample a dozen blanks of the same model, some are straight some are curved others are spiraled. Tighter control of the manufacturing process and inspection will insure the blanks will be more uniform but it would be too labor intensive to be practical and cost effective for mass production.

Ronald no need to qualify your question, remember...

One who asks a question is a dummy for a few minutes, one who does not ask a question is a dummy forever.

Have fun

Mandrels are often only a few human hairs in diameter at the tip - they are rarely dead-on straight, particularly after they have seen some use. The curing process also tends to draw the blank into a less than perfectly straight alignment.

However, the natural curve of most rod blanks can be used to advantage. Here is some information for you to consider: [www.rodbuilding.org]

.......

CTS Blanks are STRAIGHT!! :))
Herb

I recall an interview with Gary Loomis in which he recounted a story of how some people would return blanks that had a bit of curve at the tip. Gary assured them it was not a defect but a 'natural' aspect of blank making.
Gary went on to share that there was another builder who wanted to buy ALL of his blanks with a curved tip.

Leslie Cline Wrote:
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> I recall an interview with Gary Loomis in which he
> recounted a story of how some people would return
> blanks that had a bit of curve at the tip. Gary
> assured them it was not a defect but a 'natural'
> aspect of blank making.
> Gary went on to share that there was another
> builder who wanted to buy ALL of his blanks with a
> curved tip.

If you start with a perfectly straight rod blank, it will not be straight once you add guides to it. That's why many, including myself, prefer a slight natural curve along the length of a blank.

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

Thanks to all for the replies and information . Much appreciated .

I have to admit, I like the straightest blank. I also have to admit to considering the spine when I build. But when forced to choose between spine and straight, I will build so that I don't see the curve. And they all fish just fine.

Michael Danek Wrote:
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And they all fish just fine.


After all is said and done , I guess this is what it's all about .