I'm building a Sage ZXL but their is something strange going on. On the rod blank are white dots to match the 4 parts. Now for all the rods I have (other then Sage) the eyes are put on the same side as the dots (the soft side or spine), but when i check the spine of the rod blank then the dots are placed about 90° to the left or right from the spine. Not even on the same side for all the parts. Where shall i put the eyes, on the spine or on the side where the dots are painted. Has anybody experience whith building a Sage ZXL with premarked dots on it? Or can anyone who has a Sage ZXL check where the eyes are put, on the spine or in line with the dots?
Thanks already

I have only ever built 2 rods but i have heard about some rod builders putting the eyes on at 90 degrees to the spline.
I am not sure why, you would think the rod would want to twist when loaded.

Maybe a proper rod builder can clear this up i would also be keen to know.

Munro

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I understood sage build to the straight plane ie to counter any set.

I have heard about offsetting 90 degrees on the basis that the movement of the arm rotates the blank through the casting stroke -ie the reel ends up pointing sidewayson the back cast. Sounds to me like building to offset poor casting technique, but I'm no expert on casting mechanics

I would ignore the alignment dots and build with the guides opposite the spine based on your own judgement.

Others will tell you it doesn't matter, I say why chance it but your call!

Munro

I'll be happy to, but the reply depends on what your understanding of the spine is in a rod blank?


David.

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I recently finished of some old Greys blanks the handles and reel seats were fitted only the guides needed placement, small job really.
The sections were marked with a paint dot most of them were placed what I would term as correctly, but a few were incorrect, so I cannot really help but I agree it does happen.
Dont really know as the blanks were straight in both planes
Could have been a mistake

GARY

I normally spine the he rod blank by keeping the thin end on my open hand and the thick part (in an angle off 45°) I roll on the table while pressing the blank part in the middle. It stops by it self whith the spine or soft side on top. Normally tht's where I put the eyes.