I want to build a 6-7 wt, 8ft. I’ve looked around and haven’t seen anything in my budget. I was leaning toward a glass blank, then I found a 6-7wt, 11ft switch rod blank. My question, is there any reason I couldn’t mount the handle and seat on the third section instead of the butt section and build it out as a 8ft-3 (or4) inch, 3pc rod? Will the section stand up to a handle and seat?
a butt section generally has a significantly thicker wall and entirely different flag shape compared to the other sections. and given that 2 hand rods are designed to flex deeper into the mid 3 and butt sections, i think the mid 3 as a butt section would be seriously lacking in backbone for what you are looking for.
i’d look into lopping off a few inches from both the butt and tip of a 2 piece blank. could end up with something pretty cool.
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looks like nfc is doing another one of their hair on fire blowout sales on their blanks. good time to pick up a couple different blanks and experiment. can always tape on guides for some beta casting before you commit to finishing a rod.
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I considered that, but cutting off the tip would change the action considerably, would it not?
it would for sure, so you’ll have to be deliberate about which blank you start out with. i think a few inches off either end of a moderate action 6wt could get you what you are looking for.
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I recently purchased 2, F690-1 PSI. I cut them down a little differently to make two 7 1/2’, 8 & 10wt. I’m throwing AFFTA lines with them. They’re both very accurate providing easy loop control. I’ve put a lot of pressure on them, still in one piece 
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I had all the components, in fact I have enough to build a few more rods so I opted to try these in lieu of spending 1100+ dollars on new Maven rods. If these didn’t work out, I’d easily pay the $$$$$ for Mavens, they’re great rods. I’ve been throwing these Wands around a while now. What I’ve learned is, if it feels good to you, if it’s doing what you want, then it doesn’t matter what the label says. If it works it works.
Good luck in your quest
Recently = last winter.
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broke my beloved 7/8 loomis shortstix yesterday. planning on stenting it the best i can and probably picking up a maven as a long term replacement but i’d love to hear some specs on your 8wt build. pm incoming.
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I picked up 2, 2pc 6wt 8ft 6in blanks. I’m going to cut one down to 8ft, hope to keep it a 6wt, if not it will fill the gap between my 6 and 8 wts.
I’m undecided about the 2nd blank. I may cut it down to a 7’4", or 7’6", probably be a 7 or 8wt.
I’ll post up some pics once I get all the parts together and get started.
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Cut the length off the butt and you should be fine. A inch or two off the tip usually isn’t noticed either.
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On a fly rod blank?!? You’d absolutely notice.
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I’ve repaired broke tips on fly rods, where an inch or so broke off, I couldn’t tell a difference. 
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Same here Mike. I’ve replaced tip tops after losing 2-3 inches and not noticed, so I’m hoping to stay at a 6wt with 3" off butt and tip. It will be an 8’ 6wt.
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I would love to get a set of calipers and try to plot/visualize the taper of that Loomis Shortstix. I’ve heard lot of people love it, and having a taper profile might at least get you in the ballpark if you’re trying to cut down an existing blank to make a short rod with similar feel.
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it can be done. have both the broken 7/8 and an intact 9/10. the 7/8 has a different taper from the rest of the series.
won’t be able to get specs until next week but i’ll post them up when i do.
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Another question for the Brethren
I’ve been using silk thread for wrapping guides. This is what I had left over from building bamboo rods, so I used it. It’s a PITA, but finishes nice. What do you use for wrapping guides and why? What size?
No color preserver needed? What do you use for color preserver?
I personally use the pro thread colorfast thread from mudhole, size A. Works well enough and I don’t use any color preserver. If someone has something groundbreaking that’s different I’ll be happy to give it a shot!
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Fuji NOCP or ProWrap. Size A on fly and micro guides on casters and spinners. Size C or D as an underwrap/overwrap on boat, jetty or surf rods.
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I’m with @VinnyL ProWrap or Fuji, Size A with color the preserver already in it. Heavier rods naturally get heavier thread. I’d probably throw everything out the door if I tried using silk, with the condition my hands are in .
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Hence my question…Silk is a pita to wrap, but it is traditional to bamboo rods. That’s why I had some on hand and used it on previous builds. It is like tying on a fly with a 6X leader wearing heavy gloves. Silk has a lighter breaking strength and is easy to overlap…but it leaves a pretty finish when done right.
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