NFC CCS Methods (Deflection Board)
Where the magic happens...
As most Connection readers likely know by now, North Fork is using the CCS (Common Cents System) to varying degrees on our blanks. There have been a few questions about how we are getting our measurements, and how that might impact builders who also do CCS, or are at least interested in what info the numbers provide.
Like every other blank or rod manufacturer, we have a fairly straightforward deflection board parked on the production floor. We use it to do a 45-degree deflection test for power-rating, load curve, and other tests and fiddling. We also use the board for obtaining CCS values.
The deflection board uses a series of screw-in pegs and vertical sliders to allow us to rapidly and accurately place blanks/rods at various support lengths and angles. Presently, we have the ability to provide support lengths that range from 4-inches (for blanks/rods under the four-foot range) out to 19-inches (for blanks/rods up to the 16-foot range). Those peg-holes are in one-inch increments, so we can be pretty precise on all of our blank lengths.
We can also level our blanks in a variety of ways, but at this point in time, we are leveling the bottom of the butt of the blank between the supports (analogous to leveling the blank on a table-top). This is easily achieved using an angle-finder. We use that same angle finder when determining the AA value.
We have plans for a slicker CCS/deflection system, but that’s for another post(s). For now, the deflection board seems to be working well and allows us to quickly (and repeatably) provide CCS numbers going forward.
Jason:
I have been emailing Jon about a comment that Gary made about “spineing” rod blanks. I asked Jon about how you run your CCS tests? Do you spine the blank, and test on the spine, or do you just clamp the blank down and go for it? I can’t find the email from Jon right now, but have it around here somewhere. Jon seems to think that spine matters.
I guess I am not asking an Earth shaking question like which came first, the Chicken or the egg, but since you all are testing many blanks to come up with CCS numbers, You should be able to do the testing, and provide a definative answer to the question; Does spine matter?
Mike—Our CCS test procedures do utilize the spine (indeed, our testing set-up is almost able to find a spine by itself under heavy load). We do it for the sake of consistency in method, and to be sure that if a maker does intend to spine, we are at least on the same page. That’s the short version of it, but pretty much gets to the point you’re after (I hope). Gary has his ideas about spine, and you may want to drop a quick “what do you think?” question in the “You’ve got Questions?” post above.
Thanks for taking such an interest in what we’re doing here, Mike. We appreciate it!
Jason:
Thanks for your reply. I guess I was looking for a little more definative answer. I only handle a small number of blanks on a yearly basis as do most rod builders (when compaired to you, the blank makers). I know that Gary and most of the team that Gary has assembeled have handled more blanks and finished rods then most of us will ever see. I know the question is very simple, and the answer is very complex. I know that as a new company, you want to be “politically correst” so to speak, but the unanswered question is still; “does it matter if the blank is built on or off the spine, or built on the straightest axis”?
I am not trying to be a pain in the backside, just looking for a definative answer.
Mike:
Glad you asked these questions, have been wondering about the importance of spine versus straightness of blank for some time. Some mfgs fly rods are straighter than others; have to believe some are concerned with the spine while others disregard it.
Regards,
Paul