Well after talking about it for several years, I finally coughed up the cash for a steelhead switch rod. The rod is in the process of being built, when finished it will be an 11' 4" 7wt built on a batson blank. I just ordered a reel for it, I found an Orvis Mach IV with a spare spool for right around $200.

As expected, one of the spools will be be holding a WF floating line.

For 2 hand casting I would like to run a skagit setup on my other spool. I understand the basics of how they work but, I do not know any of the specifics.

A typical setup from what I have researched seems to be:

-- 60-100' of running line
-- 25-30' of the sakgit head (seems like the compact head is prefered for switch)
-- 8-15' tip with my desired sink rate
-- 5-8' leader to fly

This is a rather basic recipe as of right now, thats where I need the help.

I have seen full Skagit lines that include both the running line and the head, but they are pretty pricey. I have also seen a number of manufacturers make just a skagit head. To save money, I was thinking about buying a head and using another 7wt line(cut the head off) and use the remaining 60' or so as my running line. Is this a reasonable approach to constructing a line?

One more thing, is there a way to avoid paying $20 bucks or so for each different tip? I would like to have at least 1 floating tip and 2 sinking tips but I am low on funds after spending all my money on the rod and reel. I figure there has to be an easy way to make these tips.

Thanks in advance to any and all help/suggestions for a broke rookie switch fisherman!!