I thought I would start a new thread about the Rods built on the Hardy blanks.
If anyone has a better idea for the title just let me know and I will be glad to edit it.
My 30 blanks arrived yesterday.
I will start my incoming inspection today.
The Salmon River Anglers had our Flies and Pies gathering yesterday.
I was one of the folks decorating hooks so I had no time to look at all the blanks.
I did open the box and pulled 1 blank randomly from the package to bring to the gathering for show and tell.
My first impressions from this one blank are that the color of the butt section and the tip are slightly mismatched.
In the bright sun lite this is more noticeable.
The tip has what looks like an imperfection in the finish from the tip top and back about 12".
Actually this section is non sanded or less sanded than the rest of the blank and the imperfections are actually the cellophane spiral witness marks.
Several light scratches and a slight set were also noted.
I removed the 30 year old masking tape and fortunately the glue residue came right off with a little alcohol with no evidence of any long term effects.
I cleaned the ferrule as well it had a stain the came off as well.
The wiggle test I put some tape over the female ferrule to reinforce the wall and got to wiggling and some guarded flexing .
My best guess is a 4 or 5 weight at this point.
I will get busy and as soon as my incoming inspection is finished.
I will build one up and put it through it's paces.
The folks at the pies and flies leaned toward a 6 weight.
My first impression is that these blanks are going to make up some really nice rods.
I just hope the next 29 are as good or better than the first one pulled.
I look forward to hearing what the rest of you think of the blanks you purchased.
My plan is to do a 20 rod series.
I have had several reguests for blanks.
Sorry I will not be selling any of the blanks I purchased but don't be too disappointed the seller has more and will be offering them from what I understand.
Tight Lines and Incoming Inspection Loops
Andy M

