The specification describes methods for the manufacture of very large optical fiber preforms wherein the core material is produced by MCVD. Previous limitations on preform size inherent in having the MCVD starting tube as part of the preform process are eliminated by removing the MCVD starting tube material from the collapsed MCVD rod by etching or mechanical grinding. Doped overcladding tubes are used to provide the outer segments of the refractive index profile thus making most effective use of the MCVD produced glass and allowing the production of significantly larger MCVD preforms than previously possible.