Here's a tip from Volume 5 - Issue #1 issue of RodMaker magazine:
Coming from a component retailer, this tip might seem self-serving,
however it is with service in mind that I bring it up. It is
inevitable, Murphy's Law if you will, that when you are making a
rod under a tight deadline, you'll be missing a winding check, a tip
top, or one #1 snake. You know darn well you ordered the right
components, but the snakes were swatted off your bench by the cat
and landed in a shag rug, the tip-top turned out to be a size smaller
than you need (to spite the spec chart that you ordered from), and
the winding check, while nominally the correct diameter seems to be
a less than perfect fit.
Practiced rodmakers know a few ways to squeak by with non-ideal
components, but it would be nicer to use the proper stuff. Take
a good look at the rods you've made over the past two or three years.
Most likely, most will be rods of a similar scale - light fly rods,
heavy spin rods, whatever. If you plan to continue with your rodmaking
endeavors. . .then buy a handful of spare components which cover the
range of rods you normally make. Have two winding checks in ten sizes,
four tip tops in five sizes, and a dozen spare snake guides in each
size you normally use. The dollars you invest will be well rewarded
by the headaches you'll never have to battle. Russ Gooding
Publishers note:
If you have any tips or techniques, send them
along! Help out your fellow rodmakers!
~ Publisher, FAOL
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