TWO-PIECE RODS 105 



in the butt, the wood rod, when the tip is 

 placed on the floor and pressure applied, should 

 show a nice arch for more than half its length 

 from the tip, while there should be quite a bit 

 of spring below the ferrule. There is no fixed 

 rule for determining how much to take off the 

 butt. Testing it repeatedly will be the best 

 plan, but if it still seems too stiff, the diameter 

 of the butt must be reduced with the greatest 

 care, else you may go too far. Placing the 

 ferrule in the center of the rod requires more 

 care in trying it out than if there are two fer- 

 rules as in a three-piece rod but practice 

 with reel and weight will satisfy you. 



When the taper of the butt joint suits you, 

 the grasp is put on as described in Chapter 

 VL, the wood is finished as described for the 

 tips, rubbed with varnish, and it is then ready 

 for winding. It is made without pins through 

 ferrule and centers, as will be noted. Pins keep 

 the ferrules in place, but unless put in by an 

 expert they may weaken the wood where it 

 needs strength, and good cement may be de- 

 pended on. At most a ferrule may work loose, 

 but it is merely necessary to warm it tempo- 

 rarily to secure it until it can be removed and 

 put back with new winding or a little more 

 cement. 



