What is the general consensus in the rod building community with respect to incorporating some type of alignment mark into the build for rods made in two pieces or more? Personally, I like the idea, and as a new rod builder may decide to come up with something along these lines (no pun intended) that will personally identify my build.

I don't think they'll be a consensus on this. I mention it to the customer and I let them decide so I've built some with and some without. I think most builders would agree. Maybe that's the consensus right there. :)

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

Run it by the customer and use it if desired, or not if not desired.

Not so important on two piece, more so on four piece. I build only fly rods and today most are four piece, my customers want and like them. I use a small white dot.

Customer decides, most like them on 3 to 4 piece fly rods. For alignment dots, I add marbling pigment (or Testors enamel pigment) to a small amount of epoxy finish and use a piece of stiff wire or tooth pick to make the small alignment dots. Once the epoxy sets the dots are there for a long time. Can make the dots any color you want. Wait for the epoxy to set up a little before using.

Norm

My experience is after you ask them & they say "How Much" will depend on your answer whether they want one or not .If it is a rod with a dec wrap ,fancy grips ,or urushi done to the rod I always say nothing & the answer is mostly YES .If it is a bare bones rod & I tell them $20.00 the answer is mostly NO .

Regards Baz

Bundeena
NSW Australia

Frank

I too doubt there is a consensus, yet. There does seem to be an increasing number of fly rods built with alignment dots.

Personally, I don't get the alignment dot thing. Aesthecally the dots are a non-event. In terms of functionality, it seems to me that alignment dots result in no more alignment accuracy than other methods, and I wonder (fear) they might tempt some to twist an already seated ferrule to get get the final 1 or 2 degrees of alignment perfection.

In my opinion they should be more accurate, as it is easier to align two dots an inch apart accurately then it is to align four sections of a string of guides. Additionally, it makes for a much quicker assembly of the pieces. Put the piece together, align the dots, done!

If you get a good straight line before adding the dots, the dots do make it quick and easy to accurately put your rod together. I like them, and see no down side to using them.
Norm

Comments deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 04:28PM by John E Powell.

Once you have used alignment dots on a 4-piece rod you will want them on your other rods. They are unobtrusive, quick, and practical. What's not to like?

from the replies, and how i see it, it's neither bad form nor poor taste.

alignment dots sound like a great idea. but like hook keepers, i've outgrown them quickly. i believe it's more functional to align the section using the guides. I work with fly rods, generally 9 feet in length. (re: hook keepers, i find it easier, faster and more efficient to wrap the line around the reel foot and back up to a midway guide for easy deployment of fly when moving from one spot to another, which is how i fish.)

i think it's good practice to add alignment dots (i prefer the simple, small decals, having tried small feathers in the past) to increase marketability for selling to others. for me, personally, it's not common sense in practice. like the hook keeper example i mentioned, there is another option. i find it's so much faster to align by guides rather than alignment dots.

i have spoken :)

eric
fresno, ca.

Simple
Build how YOU like it
A Customer you build as THEY want it Nuff said

Bill - willierods.com

As I mentioned above, I only build fly rods and almost all are 4 piece today. Putting the dots on the rod is very easy.

After completing the build, I carefully align all the sections, then I use a self feeding fine tip white lacquer paint pen to apply the dots. apply all six in less than 20 seconds total!

I have some of my customers bring their factory rods to me to have the dots added. I never charge for something that takes less than a minute!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/28/2016 12:40PM by Phil Erickson.