Getting a rod straight is considered to be an essential part of finishing up the rod-making process.  In a makers mind it can be what separates an OK rod from a beautiful rod.  For some rodmakers it is something that makes a rod that one cannot even deliver / sell. And with a blonde rod the straightening process can be even more challenging due to how easy it can be to scorch it during the process of applying the heat necessary to remove the curves.  A "scorch" on a flamed rod is not as noticeable as it is on a blond rod. It really stands out if present on the blonde.  Another problem in addition to the curves are twists.  It takes a different approach to even spotting this issue.  It can, if approached properly, be easily fixed.  During my 20 plus years of making rods and of teaching, I have developed a very sound and simple way of solving twists in a rod blank.  A challenge to the process is actually identifying where the twist is and which direction the twists "twists".

The technique that I use is a great way to isolate the twist.  After all, if you can't determine where it is and "what" it is (what direction) you certainly cannot correct it.  I have found that by using short small wooden blocks you can study the rod from one end thru its length and solve the "where" question.  The twist can be looked at starting at one end and slowly work your way down the taper.  The blocks are placed on a flat surface and moved down the rod 5-6 inches at a time.  Something  critical to the process is that the work surface be level and the wooden blocks be square.  The blocks are placed on the work surface near the edge.  It is a requirement that the bench top be thin enough to allow you to open your bar clamp wide enough to fit over the rod, the wooden blocks and clamp everything down to the bench.  By using two of the blocks and clamping down on them with the rod on the other two blocks, the clamps will square the rod in line as you slowly repeat the process in 5-6 inch increments.  The blank is heated as you work downward to slowly remove the twist.  It (if necessary) can be rotated to multiple sides if the twist is not easily isolated.  As with straightening with other methods, one has to be very careful not to introduce additional issues.  All together, this is a very controllable method the will render very good results.

Pictures to follow with more Details