I'm still new to rod building, I really like the High Modulus Rods, However I seem to have a much harder time finding the spine of those type of rods. Is there a better way to find it on the Modulus rods, Or am I just getting substandard rods. Thanks



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2015 12:38PM by Clyde Galvin.

If you mean "spine", many of us think it is irrelevant, better to build on the straightest line. The spine is still there in high modulus.

A rod with a gentler spine is substandard? I'm not following your logic on that one (maybe I am misunderstanding)

I would ignore the spine and build on the straightest axis. The "lore" surrounding the significance of building on/off the spine is greatly exaggerated and perpetuated from builder to builder.

If you have a really straight blank with no apparent bend on any axis, then it would not hurt to build on the spine, but if I had to make a choice between building on the spine or the straightest axis, it'll be the straight axis every time. The reason is the torque applied to the blank through the lever arm effect of the guides during a cast or fighting a fish will overwhelm the minimal effect of the location of the spine. The pull on the line will always twist the guides to the inside of the curve when a rod is loaded even if this means twisting the rod away from the spine.

As to your specific question, are you rolling the blank in your hand hoping to feel the soft spot between where it jumps? If so, try bending each section more deeply.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2015 12:28PM by John E Powell.

Lore and Exaggeration could be their own topic.

I would second the build on the straightest axis recommendation. Primarily because it will help rods move off the shelf plain and simple. Whether a customer is holding a custom rod or a BPS store model many will look down the guide train and will perceive any horizontal curvature as a defect. Its a method of kicking the tires that likely has little merit but never the less its been ingrained in the minds of rod consumers.

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

I agree with building on the straightest axis, (curve of blank placed up).

Several years ago, I built a St Croix SC V for a customer whom I have built many rods. I placed the casting guides on the outside of the spline curve. When he picked up the rod and sighted down the guides the first thing he said was "it's crooked"! That is the last time I build a rod considering the spline location.

I now place a piece of graph paper, which is mounted on a board, at the tip of the rod and rotate it on the rod supports. I then mark the side of the rod where the tip is in it's highest position. The guides are then placed: 1). On the side opposite for a spinning rod, down side ,or 2). On the high side for a casting rod. That way if the weight of the guides causes any sag, it straightens the blank.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Donald R Campbell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I agree with building on the straightest axis,
> (curve of blank placed up).
>
> Several years ago, I built a St Croix SC V for a
> customer whom I have built many rods. I placed the
> casting guides on the outside of the spline curve.
> When he picked up the rod and sighted down the
> guides the first thing he said was "it's crooked"!
> That is the last time I build a rod considering
> the spline location.
>
> I now place a piece of graph paper, which is
> mounted on a board, at the tip of the rod and
> rotate it on the rod supports. I then mark the
> side of the rod where the tip is in it's highest
> position. The guides are then placed: 1). On the
> side opposite for a spinning rod, down side ,or
> 2). On the high side for a casting rod. That way
> if the weight of the guides causes any sag, it
> straightens the blank.


I like the idea of the graph paper and the blank on rod supports. That has to make it much easier to mark the blank when it's in the right position.

Excellent !!!

We did an article on that method in a past issue of RodMaker.

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