Question about a Tiger Eye blank

[Greybeard]

I am ready to start building a 4 pc Tiger Eye blank and the company I purchased the blank from went out of business (or I'd ask them this question).

On the butt piece and where the middle two pieces join, the finish on the female end of the rod section does not have the glossy coat all the way to the end of the section. On the butt end of the rod the reel seat will cover this up. In the middle of the rod there is nothing to hide this "discrepancy." I've built several other one and two piece, glass and graphite rods in the past but I've never encountered this before. I have not taken any pictures of the blank but I can if my description is inadequate.

I suppose I can either ignore it, cut the offending piece off, or try and put a thread wrap over it to cover it up. There seems to be plenty of over-lap to cut the unfinished part off (about 3/8") but I'm nervous about shortening the ferrule joint (unless I hear here that it isn't a problem). I'm also not sure quite how I'd do this without damaging the section. I'd probably approach it with either a Dremel tool or a sanding disc on a stationary tool.

Ignoring it seems like the best option but it irks me because it wasn't what I'd call a cheap blank (roughly $80). Putting a wrap over it seems a bit cosmetic and would probably just remind me of the problem (so I'm back to ignoring it).

Has anyone else encountered this problem? How did you solve it?

Greybeard

[SteveP]

I personally wrap all of my ferules and some (not all) manufacturers do not finish a blank blank all the way to the ends of the ferule. as for shortening it, I would not just too risky in my opinion.

Steve

[Sully]

Grey beard: Just forget I even posted.

[Greybeard]

OK, I'll move ahead wrapping the ferules, but it is something I've never done before. I've never had any trouble either - just curious why you said this needs to be done anyway?

Greybeard

[Walnutshoe]

Wrapping the end of the female ferule adds protection against the ferule splitting out. IMHO it's good building practise, especially on thin walled blanks.

[Sully]

This post wasnt worth the effort

[SteveP]

Not at all doing it wrong I have a couple of rods that i have not wrapped the ferules though I believe it to be a good practice I don't do it EVERY time just almost. My 2wt is a dan craft and did not wrap the ferules on it and have been fishing it for 4 yrs hard and not had an issue yet. There is no WRONG way only ways that work better than others and ways that have a higher purpose.

Steve

[TampaJim]

There IS a "wrong way", a "right way" AND a "it doesn't matter way" as to wrapping ferrules. Here's why ...

1) Wrong way = some manufacturers DO require the wrapping of ferrule joints. Failure to do so WOULD be incorrect.

2) Right way = same as above, but you DO wrap the ferrules.

3) It doesn't matter way = some manufacturers DO NOT require the wrapping of ferrule joints. Failure to do so wouldn't be incorrect or correct AND doing them creates the same result.

In my experience, the manufacturers of blanks are split about 50/50. The BEST approach is to ask each when first using their products. IF in doubt OR you can't get a qualified answer (such as imported blanks), I suggest ferrule wraps. They aren't going to hurt a thing and lack of use might just do so IF they are needed.

When wrapping ferrules, it is advisable to wrap a length of approximately 2X the OD of the female end of the joint. Get as close as humanly possible to the end AND put a bit more pressure on the wrap than you would with a guide. I like to have the male end of the ferrule inside the female during wrapping to keep the shape intact, that allows me to not be concerned about injuring the female end. I remove the male section during epoxy application.

Jim -

[Sully]

There IS a "wrong way", a "right way" AND a "it doesn't matter way" as to wrapping ferrules. Here's why ...

1) Wrong way = some manufacturers DO require the wrapping of ferrule joints. Failure to do so WOULD be incorrect.

2) Right way = same as above, but you DO wrap the ferrules.

3) It doesn't matter way = some manufacturers DO NOT require the wrapping of ferrule joints. Failure to do so wouldn't be incorrect or correct AND doing them creates the same result.

In my experience, the manufacturers of blanks are split about 50/50. The BEST approach is to ask each when first using their products. IF in doubt OR you can't get a qualified answer (such as imported blanks), I suggest ferrule wraps. They aren't going to hurt a thing and lack of use might just do so IF they are needed......

I directly apologize. I should have never posted anything on the matter and Im SURE you are 100% correct.

[JohnScott]

I have NEVER been in ANY rod building class; attended ANY rod building seminar; read ANY publication about rod building; talked with ANY person that worked directly at / for rod building( including people such as Tom Kirkman; Gary Loomis; Dick French and many others) that didnt state emphatically that you MUST wrap the female potion of the rod ferrule to keep it from splitting.

Now can ANYONE directly quote or present published material to the contrary?

As far as 50/50..please state which rod makers DONT require the ferrules be wrapped and I will telephone them directly and confirm!

TampaJim -

I have a great deal of respect for you and regard for your experience, and accept your honesty, integrity, and good faith without question.

It is unimaginable that anyone on this BB would challenge you this way, asking you to name the rod makers with which you have dealt so he could call them to confirm for himself that you are honestly offering the benefit of your experience to this discussion.

John