I have 3 CTS Affinity SK blanks (1)11'0" #4-5, (2)12'0" #6-7, (3)12'6" #8-9 and would appreciate your help about guide spacing and sizes. Thank you in advance.

Shizen,
I will require your distance from rod tip to reel measurement for each of your builds.
A reasonable good guess is also acceptable. This will take into account your desired grip length and spacing.
Middle of reel seat is close enough and I can make up a couple of variations you can choose between.

Gene

Gene,
Thanks for your reply. Below is the distance from rod tip to the middle of reel seat measurement.
(1)11'0" #4-5 : 125 47/64 inch (front grip length 11", rear grip length 4.4", reel seat length 3.75")
(2)12'0" #6-7 : 137 19/64 inch (12", 4.8", 3.81")
(3)12'6" #8-9 : 144 1/4 inch (12.6", 5.04", 3.81")

Shizen

Shizen,

The light wire guides at the rod tips can be titanium for quicker response
I prefer to use insert guides for the lower two guides

Distances are from rod tip to guide

11' CTS 4-5
1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 ; 5 ; 6 ; 7 ; 8 ; 9 ; 10
4.6 ; 9.9 ; 15.9 ; 22.7 ; 30.5 ; 39.3 ; 49.4 ; 60.9 ; 74.0 ; 88.9
std tip top ; (4) #1 light wire single foot ; (1) #1 light wire snake ; (2) #2 snake ; (1) #3 snake ; (1) #10 double foot alox ; (1) #12 double foot alox


12' CTS 6-7
1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 ; 5 ; 6 ; 7 ; 8 ; 9 ; 10 ; 11
5.5 ; 11.5 ; 18.0 ; 25.2 ; 33.0 ; 41.4 ; 50.7 ; 60.8 ; 71.8 ; 83.8 ; 96.9
std tip top ; (4) #2 light wire single foot ; (1) #2 light wire snake ; (3) #3 snake ; (1) #4 snake ; (1) #10 double foot alox ; (1) #12 double foot alox


12'6" CTS 8-9
1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 ; 5 ; 6 ; 7 ; 8 ; 9 ; 10 ; 11 ; 12
5.0 ; 10.5 ; 16.4 ; 22.9 ; 30.0 ; 37.7 ; 46.1 ; 55.3 ; 65.3 ; 76.2 ; 88.1 ; 101.1
lg tip top ; (4) #2 light wire single foot ; (1) #2 light wire snake ; (3) #3 snake ; (1) #4 snake ; (1) #5 snake ; (1) #12 double foot alox ; (1) #16 double foot alox

Gene,

Thank you very much and appreciate your thoughtful reply!
I wonder how you come out such a guide setting.

Shizen



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2018 12:14PM by Shizen Mui.

Shizen,
I created a spreadsheet based on rod length and number of guides.
This creates a progressive guide spacing which formula is manipulated based on the rod strength at the tip.
Guides sizes are practical experience based on fly line size.
Guide strength is based on rod strength and guide weight is based on distance location from the rod center of rotation.
Most builders will follow a table or utilize visual assessment. One size fits all is a very subjective topic.
I prefer to adjust based on anticipated dynamic rod deflection characteristics.

Gene

Gene,

Thank you for sharing your thought. It is very interesting to hear that you determine the guide setting by rod characteristics.
This is a topic I just had a discussion with expert builder friends recently. He concluded there no need to consider rod taper or action in setting guides and most rods are just fine to be built following the chart.
I have been thinking the rod characteristics should be taken into count especially for the fly rod so the question is still remains.
I am still a novice so have no logic to counter though.

Shizen

Shizen,

Difficult question to answer.
Depends on the individual need and drive for fulfillment
To most, fishing is attaching a weight and a piece of bait to a hook and line.
Throwing to where they choose and waiting for the fish to impale itself on the hook.
A fly fisherman has not chosen the easy approach.
The learning curve is steep and time consuming. The frustration level can be high. The challenges can be formidable.
Where is the fish ? What is the appropriate fly and tippet ? How can the fly be correctly presented ?
Can I make the required cast ? Can I achieve the required drift ?
It's great when a plan comes together. When it doesn't, can the results be analyzed for reason for failure ?
I believe the custom build of a fly rod to be just as meticulous.
I choose the path least taken and most challenging. The rewards are the challenge to myself and the appreciation
of success and failure to my own responsibility.
This is not the easy road. It requires thought and testing with a critical minded purpose of achieving better results.
You may choose to take either path, you must accept responsibility for the results.
You asked for suggestions and I supplied answers to the best of my ability.

Gene