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| PART 1 - Set-Up and spine |
When laying out and planning a new rod I'm always reminded of that old saying, "Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance". Take a little time at this point to lay out all your components, double check everything, and dry fit as much as possible.
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 Assuming you've already triple checked the blank for flaws, scratches, and everything else that would adversly effect it's performance you're now ready to get going.
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 Finding the spine
This is one of the most important steps to ensure a well performing rod, as well as one of the easiest. When the blank is made the graphite cloth overlaps the metal mandrel making the blank thicker in places along this seam. This overlap prevents uniform stiffness and causes a natural curve. Depending on who you talk to you're going to find some people place the guides on the soft side, while others place them on the stiff side. The one thing all builders will agree on is NOT to place the guides off to either side.
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A couple additional issues with spineing the rod. Is spineing important? To me, and most other builders, Yes it is. It'll improve the performance of the rod and give it a better feel. Many lower end production rods are not spined at all. When building, most times, even with high priced blanks, you're going to find multiple spines. Typically there will be a dominant spine and often one or more additional softer ones. Use the dominant spine for alignment. If you build enough low end rods you're eventually going to find blanks that have so many spines and it's almost impossible to find a dominant one, if you come across this return the blank!
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 Start by wrapping 2 pieces of tape around the blank, one at the top, the other at the bottom. This is where you'll mark the alignment.
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 Next, place the base of the blank on a hard, flat, smooth surface. The tip should be held at about a 45 degree angle in the open palm of your hand.
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 Using your other hand, apply enough pressure to bend it slightly and roll the blank. You'll be surprised how the blank will jump.
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 Mark the inside of the curve by placing a mark on the masking tape. Depending on you preference this mark, or 180 degrees off, will be the alignment point for your guides.
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 Repeat for each section of the blank. Do NOT assemble the blank, then spine it. spine each piece individually.
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Intro
Finding the spine
NEXT - Reel Seat
Grip
Guides
Finishing and Tip Top |
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