Jeff, I see why Terry wanted you to post your work, it is beautiful

thanks for sharing with us

Capt G wrote:

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A question, if I may.
The 7th picture from the bottom is a ringed guide spiral wrap.
The 2nd guide (next to the stripper guide) is noticeably smaller that the guides next to it.
Ascetics / looks aside, is there any practical reason for this?

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The rod you are referring to is based on a simple spiral wrap but it is slightly modified to work better with larger, offshore reels.  The second guide is called a "bumper guide".  The purpose of the first and third guides is to transition the line from the top of the blank to the bottom.  The only purpose of the second guide is to keep the line slightly off the blank so it doesn't rub, hence the name "bumper".  That is also the reason that this guide is typically much smaller than the 1st and 3rd, you want to keep the line as close to the blank as possible without touching to make the transition as smooth as possible.  I have even seen some builders do away with the bumper guide altogether and simply use a stainless steel ring on the blank in its place.  Serves the same purpuse just a bit difficult to find one that fits perfectly at the exact spot needed.  Does that clarify?

 

your black and gold in i think pic # 8 is stunning.