My beloved classic Orvis Green Mountain 7'9" Far & Fine graphite rod tip section cracked between the 1st and 2nd guides above the ferrule. This is a staggered ferrule rod with a longer tip than butt section. Yes, I know it is a graphite rod but I think my question would also apply to cracked glass rods, plus I understand the blank does have a little fiberglass scrim in it
. The rod did not collapse while casting a dry fly, but I felt and heard a ticking noise that alerted me to the damage. There are four longitudinal cracks about 3 or 4" long, stopped by the second guide wrap.
I called Orvis to ask if they had any replacement blanks in stock, but of course they don't. I am looking for a parts rod, lots of luck. The rod repair guy did not think the rod is repairable, but I have nothing to lose by trying. Here are three methods I have been thinking about:
1. The blank is out of round in the cracked section. My buddy has some old steel mandrels that he got from a St Croix rep. If one of them would fit, I'm thinking about inserting it, putting epoxy on the cracks, and wrapping it with thread. Would I then be able to remove the mandrel without the epoxy sticking to it?
2. I have an old glass spincasting rod with a fairly fine, limber tip. I'm thinking about making an internal splint and inserting it inside the rod with some epoxy, being careful not to get epoxy on the inside of the ferrule. Then I would epoxy the cracks and wrap with thread. This would undoubtedly change the action but hopefully the rod would still be useful.
3. The late rod maker Hal James from E. Hille sold me a St Croix pack rod that had a fiberglass sleeve repair over the blank. This rod has given me good service over the years. In order to fit a sleeve on I would have to remove and replace all of the guides on the tip, however - a lot of trouble for a repair that might not work, anyway.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks,
Kevin