Hey guys I am new to the forum and rod building. Might be biting off a bit much for a first build but want to make a centerpin rod with sliding rings instead of reel seat. Can someone point me in the right direction for guide spacing on a 13ft blank and how to do sliding rings?

Adam where do you live?

Buzz I live in Wolcott NY right between Rochester and Syracuse

Have you looked at the HKS-9 Tennessee grip from Mudhole? It is 20 inches long, which should be all you need I'd think.

Adam, Sliding rings have a tendency to loosen on their own, I have yet to find any {real Quality rings} that hold, Just my experience, Have you given any thoughts to using cloth hockey tape? You will still be able to move your reel wherever you want and be secure and Not have to worry about your reel loosening -up, That's what I use on my tennessee grips. It sure beats having to screw around tightening rings in the Cold, If there's any good rings out there maybe a member will chime in? on what they would be, and who makes them? I have yet to find any, Here's a link with colored hockey tape, Your reel will stay-put with this tape. Tight Lines and may your steelies shine bright !!!! Jaa P/S what blank are you building on for the guide spacing?? we need to know that. [howieshockeytape.com]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/2016 02:22PM by Jay Dubay.

For years, I have used only tape on Tennessee style grips, or center pin rods without a reel seat.

I use the black electricians plastic tape. If I am going over cork, I will put two layers of tape on the grip where I want the front tape wrap and the rear tape wrap to be located.

Then, I place the reel on the grip and use 2 or more layers of tape over the reel foot to hold the reel in place. If I want to remove the reel, or change the reel, I remove the tape that is over the top of the reel foot, but don't disturb the two wraps of tape under the reel foot. By leaving the two underwraps in place, the cork is never disturbed by removing the tape next to the cork. The tape is generally sticky enough so that if the tape is removed, there is a good chance that chunks of cork may be removed from the grip as well.

But, by leaving the two double wraps of tape - always on the cork, the cork is always protected from tape removal damage.


Good luck

NO WAY I'd recommend leaving the rings off your sliding ring grip. Centerpins are horribly expensive, and can be destroyed beyond repair if dropped on a hard surface. Use the rings, and then you tape it to the handle, no chance it's coming off when you least expect it. In My Opinion anyways. If you haven't located some guide spacing, I can probably give you a starting point.

For a starting point you could start at 3" 7" 12" 18" which is adding one inch to each spacing. Then do a static test and adjust as required.

Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

Adam,
Before owning one, I thought Tennessee grips were just for ice rods and thought the rings would not hold the reel securely. I was given a beautiful vintage Conolon Misilite spinning rod with a Tennessee grip with aluminum rings which has become my favorite trout rod. The only rings I have seen for sale are some kind of composite plastic which may not hold as well as aluminum. I was advised to simultaneously twist the rings in the opposite direction while mounting the reel which has afforded me a secure reel which has never loosened unsuspectedly. No pulling bits of cork out with the tape and no residue either. The advantage and ability to position the reel where desired is an obvious, if not somewhat unique, benefit which is being employed on one of my present builds.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

If you search my name I think I have 2 threads on this last year, but the part you are looking for is in this answer:
"Janns Netcraft has the aluminum ones in three different sizes."

jontobey@yahoo.com
www.gointothelight.wordpress.com

Adam, if you email me, I might have a source for you.

jontobey@yahoo.com
www.gointothelight.wordpress.com