Has anyone spliced together mutiple intermediate components to create one single intermediate line in the 600 grain range? I've seen a few premade solutions intended for lighter switch rods but so far haven't had any luck finding something in the 7-8 weight spey range. I'm willing to chop up some lines but I'm concerned about how strong the connections will be on intermediate coatings. Looking to use the PVC line splicing approach using Airflo lines if possible.
I've had no strength issues with welding intermediate sections together. I just use a section of shrink tubing, take a fresh razor and shave off about 1/3 of the diameter of the thicker line and lay the thinner line over that part (about 2"), weld and roll on a board to keep it from getting curled, strip off shrink tubing after it's cooled and apply a thin coat of UV flex to the full length of the connection. It's worked great on stripers up to about 5lb. Haven't had the good fortune of testing the connection on anything larger, but when I pull on it hard in the garage it doesn't budge.
If you shave off the right amount you can get a connection that goes through guides just fine so stripping it all the way to the tip is doable.
Another poster mentioned that unless you're doing the DIY job for fun you'd be better off buying a line. I understand that point in principle, but I think learning to modify your lines to better match your rod, fishery and casting style is a good skill to build. And with the price of lines these days...
Good luck!
I have never spliced line pieces. However I believe that I would splice the core as well as the sheathing.Great info, thank you! I think I may try this at some point once I get a few lines together. One question, if you're removing the shrink tube what function does it perform? Just holding everything together as you're heating it up? I'm assuming you're applying heat to the entire section of shrink tube and it shrinks as you're welding?
Sorry for all the questions, if this is standard line welding stuff I can go do some reading!
@cmann886 has a good point, though the intermediate lines I'm using a clear and don't have a traditional "core" material to pull through or splice. Food for thought: the welded loop at the end of your fly line is often just doubled over and the plastic coating is heated up to create a strong bond. Custom T-Tips can be done this way and you're targeting stronger fish with them than what you're trying to accomplish with your 6wt.I have never spliced line pieces. However I believe that I would splice the core as well as the sheathing.