Ok here we go again,
Are there many different methods for aligning guides? that seems to be a real process in itself. I was wondering if someone had an easier method for alignment.
Mark Schulte

There are many ways to do it, each person having his or her own pet technique. Most builders simply eyeball the guides. Some turn the rod so that the guides are on the bottom and look at the amount of guide showing on either side of the rod. Some aim the rod like a rifle and sight the guides that way.

There are also devices such as Renzetti's Laser Alignment Tool and similar stand-alone devices.

One easy way I have found is to put a reel on the rod and thread the line through the guides and to the tip center and held taut. The line should pass through or contact each guide in the center. This is particularly easy way to align guides since the line in the guide is an easy to see reference point. Use orange dacron line for this and it becomes even easier.

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If you have a flyrod tip section you can gently put it through the guides, (from butt towards tip) til it stops. Then position rod with guides on bottom and line up the two blanks. Carefully withdraw. Done. Did this make sense? If not, let me know. I have used this sometimes when my eyes seem to cross or I just can't seem to get that one guide right (I am very picky when it comes to guide alignment), but ususally I do it by sight with guides on bottom as described above.