Alright, since we had such a response to the 2012 Rod Swap Teaser Post here are the 2012 Rendezvous Rod Swap specifics  
 
Due Date: The 2012 SSFFC Rendezvous
Rod Blank:  The Quickline 10', 4 or 5 weight.  Its a Czech Nymphing blank.
Other specifics: There are none.
Extras: Supply some sort of protection for the rod.  In other word a tube.  Doesn't have to be fancy, just protection.
 
Misc Information:
*Same as last year, we will vote on the best craftsmanship and give the winner a shiny trinket.  Its all about having fun and pushing yourself to be a better builder.
 
*Please don't feel hurt if somebody wants to trade or give your rod to another fly fisher.  Some of us have tons of rods and do the swap just to feed the building addiction.  Or maybe they just have to have a 4 weight instead of a 5.
 
*Try to keep the build budget < $150.  With these blanks I think that will be easy to stay under.
 
*If you can't make the Rendezvous, no worries.  Get the rod to the swap and we will get a rod back to you.  FYI: you pay the shipping.
 
*Please support Acid Rods, they are a forum sponsor and also give an SSFFC discount.  Just mention being a club member in the notes section when you order.   http://www.acidrod.com/
 
And remember, there is no pressure.  Its all about the fun and working to perfect your build skills.  Over the last few years we have had some beautiful rods come thru the swap.  Every year somebody tries to buy a swap rod. Since Czech Nymphing is so popular and we have so many rod builders this should be the biggest swap ever.  
 
Let the building begin.  And I better not hear "I didn't have time to finish my swap rod".  Geez, we gave you about 6 months to build one rod  
 
Thanks for playing,
Pete

I'm in. Will be ordering the blank next week.

count me in too.  

I am another rod building participant in this swap.  With some luck, I already made all my mistakes and bad decisions on the first version that I use regularly.  The quickline does a good job of catching fish - or the fish don't care what the rod looks like.  
 
Ants
 
PS  I think it would catch more fish if the blank was not so reflective.  I wonder how I can give it a matte finish.  

This may help the swappers with guide placement and butt & tip size.  These are Pac Bay suggested placement.  Measurement is to center of guide.  Information is on their website.  As custom builders, you can always modify the placement or guide size to your liking.  
 
 
5.50   #2
11.63  #2
17.88  #2
24.00  #2
30.25  #2
37.75  #3
46.50  #3
55.88  #3
65.38  #4
75.50  #10  Stripper
87.00  #12  Stripper
 
 
Butt  .39
Tip     4.0

Hi Pete,
 
I believe the guide spacing is related to the type of action of the rod.  CN rods has its own different flex patern.  Static test is the way to verify the spacing.  I tend to follow mfg charts unless it looks completely wrong.  Looking forward to starting my build and seeing everyones rods at the Vous.
 
Thanks,
Chiaki

Quote from Pete on Mar 15^th, 2012, 4:16pm:

 
 
I'm in Pete... looking forward to it.

Quote from Pete on Mar 16^th, 2012, 6:19pm:

 
For sure, I'm VERY excited   .  
 
Got a plan already to do a swelled butt utylizing an object that casts a shadow for added appeal.  The shadow dances around with the movement of the rod bringing the rod to life!  IT"S ALIIIIIIIIVE!!!!     Only leaves one question: Just what exactly is the object... and the answer remains to be seen.  
 
Man... I'm not sure if I'm more excited to get a new rod from one of these fine builders, or more excited to do my best... I guess that's what's so cool about the rod swap - it really makes you want to push your limits.  
 
I'm aiming to build the most tastefully designed and accurately crafted rod I've ever built.