Ive been looking at the guide locating chart on mudhole and curious how many guys use one and if its something a novice builder like myself should be using.  Thanks for all the help again guys!

I sometimes use charts from the manufacturers of the blanks (Rainshadow, Anglers Resource, St. Croix, etc) + the Fuji catalog KLH spacing info as starting points, then move them around based on my stress test.  When you get into the charts in detail, you'll find them pretty generic exc for the KLH info.

 

With experience you'll put them very close to the final location without using  a chart.  

 

Keep in mind that many of the charts are still using the old "cone of flight" design which is pretty obsolete.  You only need 3 reduction guides (max) on a spin, then the running guides all the same size.  On bait casting, one double foot first guide, then the same size running guides the rest of the way.   I like the Fuji KR for that first casting guide.  Spend some time on the Anglers Resource (Fuji) site, one of the best.  The KLH info is in their catalog.

Thats what I was wondering, how about do you do your stress test?  Place a reel on and line it up and do about the same as the diagram?

Just got on Anglers Resource and they have awesome information thanks again MickD

Static test.  Tie a piece of line to the tip and attach it to the bench to apply load to the rod.  Run another line through the guides and attach near the reel seat.  Tie a 1/2 oz weight to that one to take up the slack.

 

Apply load using the first string and look at the line path with the second.

 

Light load.

 

Medium load.

 

Heavy load.

 

Path should follow the blank without too much of an angular deviation.  If angle is too great, adjust guides or add one if necessary.

Charts are fine if you're real casual about building but layout is one of the main advantages of custom over production rods. Learn the KR system for spinning rods and the static testing procedure and you'll build much better rods. 

3 hours ago, S Hovanec said:

Static test.  Tie a piece of line to the tip and attach it to the bench to apply load to the rod.  Run another line through the guides and attach near the reel seat.  Tie a 1/2 oz weight to that one to take up the slack.

 

Apply load using the first string and look at the line path with the second.

 

Light load.

 

Medium load.

 

Heavy load.

 

Path should follow the blank without too much of an angular deviation.  If angle is too great, adjust guides or add one if necessary.

thanks for the pictures thats what I needed I'm gonna pick up a pole holder this week

3 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Charts are fine if you're real casual about building but layout is one of the main advantages of custom over production rods. Learn the KR system for spinning rods and the static testing procedure and you'll build much better rods. 

Been reading about the KR system and pretty sure im gonna stick them on the drop shot rod.  The Anglers Resource had some good info.

S.Hovanek, this is the best, most succinct response to an important question I've ever seen on a forum. Excellent response.