I am trying to understand exactly how to follow this article. Specifically, how to create the flex menitioned in the rod. Do you induce the flex in the rod by placing your hand a set distance from the tip and trying to flex the tip? Or do you fix the rod handle to something and gradually add weight to the tip to force a flex in the rod? The later would seem like the most likely because that w
Forum: rodboard

How do you flex the rod when determining guide spacing? Do you flex the rod to the max the rod will possibly flex? Basically like the pictures with the ugly stick having a 180 degree bend. Or do you flex it like you would when you have a large fish? To me this means the rod flexed no more than 90 degrees. Please tell me you thoughts!!!
Forum: rodboard

I have always thought that the distance between the guides is what mattered with guide spacing. I also thought that this is what gave you good or poor casting distance. After reading posts and library articles, I get the impersion that the things that are really important are load distribution and having guides follow a straight line by their heights (Fuji new concept system). Please let me kn
Forum: rodboard

I called St. Croix today and they said I did not apply enough heat when removing the guides. They said that when they remove them for warranty, they use a lighter and get the guide epoxy soft. They said it doesn't hurt the rod. In fact, they bake their rods to put the finish on so I really does no harm. Just thought everyone could benifit from this. Dan
Forum: rodboard

I just took off the guides on my spinning rod I am making so I can try and do the New Concept Guide system described in the library. This was a St. Croix SCV blank and it did the same thing. I usd heat this time and it made no difference. Still got little chips where the finished was removed by the wrapping finish. So I think my best bet is to use the process given above by Fred. Help me to
Forum: rodboard

Will do. Thanks!! Book is on its way. Dan
Forum: rodboard

No... But I finally got a legal name!! :-)
Forum: rodboard

I tried to build my first rod and ran into some snags. First, I bought Fuji concept guides and used a standard spacing chart. This made the line touch the rod. I discovered this after I had finished the rod. So, 1st question. I know there is a great library article on spinning rods and guide spacing. Is there an article for baitcasting guides? After realizing my error with the guide spacin
Forum: rodboard