Been quiet on the board but admiring the many builds showing up on this thread. Been aching to get back to building my own. Well, that time has arrived and I am finally getting started on this 8'6" Sceptre blank:



Got all the components, getting ready to carefully mark the spine and spec out guide size and placement.

And, yes, I'm referencing the wealth of exceptional information and guidance I've found here, especially from the eminent Andyman.

Wish me luck. Comments and words of instruction, encouragement, or inquiry are welcome!

Will post more as the project unfolds.

Clod

Looks like you're on the way, and you certainly chose a well-regarded blank as basis. My only advice would be to relax and enjoy the project. If you make a mistake, say in a wrap, just fix it and move on. Looking forward to seeing both progress and finished rod.

Slow progress, but progress is progress!

The grip and reel seat and tip top are on. Spent some time filling the gap between rod and grip (from reaming) with a mix of wood glue, wood putty, and cork dust.



Then moved on to guide sizing and placement. I'm currently on my 4th iteration of this task, and TBH I'm still undecided. Present locations and sizes are solid - I love the casting feel, distance, and precision I'm getting from this configuration. BUT. I'm measuring 1/2" or more distance between the rod and line during static deflection tests. Doesn't seem to matter, but maybe one of you all might chime in and offer your 2 cents. I'm hemming and hawing as to whether to add another guide and test again (so, 11 guides on a 8'6" Sceptre) or be content and carry on.




And here we have the finalists for thread color:
Fishawk Garnet, Gudebrod Maroon, or Nymo Candy Apple Red
I've got my preference. What's yours?



That's all for now. Hoping to finish this up and move on to another build in the works.

Don't sniff the glue,
Clod

Ditto on that - I rebuilt a 8'6" Hardy Jet and went with 10 guides, not 11 and was more than pleased. Probably could have gone 9. It was originally built by Hardy with 8 guides. majicwrench probably remembers that rod since I bought it used from him :-)

Good luck and have fun!

There is a lot of snake oil surrounding guides, but sometimes one more can make a big difference. You owe it to yourself to mock that up and try it, if you notice a big difference in casting, then that is your answer. If not, 10 guides are plenty. If the line curve is bothering you, try moving the guides closer to the tip.