Hi Tony,
The curve in the tip is known as a "set". Happens a lot with bamboo rods. It would be best to remove the set which can be done easily with a little heat from a hair dryer. Just warm the section with the dryer, then gently bend the tip in the opposite direction of the set & hold there until it cools, 2-3 minutes. For guide placement, you want to find the "spine" of the rod. With each section of the rod, place the largest end of the section down on a table, counter top, whatever, then hold the section upward at about a 45 degree angle & rest the tip against the heel of your hand. With your opposite hand, apply gentle pressure to the middle of the section & roll it against your other hand & the counter. The section will want to fall into a position with one flat in particular being up. You have now found the section's "spine" and you want to place the guides opposite the flat that is up. Doing this insures that the rod will track in a straight line when casting.

Tried to expain this process as best I can, but I know it may seem a little confusing. If you need more info let me know & maybe I can get the wife to take a photo of me with a rod section so you can see what I'm talking about.

Don't know why the websites didn't go through. Anyway add a www to the front of "goldenwitch" and add a dot com to the end! That is the component people.

For the bulletin board, google clarksclassicflyrodforum.

Brian

I use McCloskey's "Man-'O-War" Marine Spar Varnish, in the red can. It is a high quality, high gloss, tung oil based varnish that is usually easy to find. Our Menards used to carry it, but discontinued it. I bought their last 2 gallons, & hopefully it will last me a few years! I dip my rods, and thin the varnish approx. 20% with Grumbacher Artists Turpentine. Its important to use a high quality turpentine & not mineral spirits.

Don't know how much info you have, so here are a couple websites that are great. www.goldenwitch.com is the best supplier of rod components, and here is another bulletin board totally devoted to bamboo rod building & restoring; clarksclassicflyrodforum....
There are some professional rod makers & restorers here & they are always willing to help a guy out. Great bunch of guys!