Hello all,
quick question about eliminating dust on the wraps. I have just finished rebuilding a rod for practice and while the wraps turned out okay, there are a few little imperfections due to the wraps not being a clean. I have limited time to work on a rod so it can be a week after I finish wrapping that I start finishing.

The next rod I build will be my nephew's first fly rod, so I want the finish as close to perfect as possible. Here is the process I am considering.

- clean wraps with alcohol prior to applying CP
- clean wraps with alcohol (after CP) prior to epoxy

Has anyone tried cleaning with alcohol after the CP has been applied?

One last question - after the epoxy (flex coat light) is applied and I heat it up to eliminate the bubbles, is it recommended to go over the wraps again with a brush?

Thanks in advance - I really appreciate this bulletin board and the advice people are willing to share!

John

What I do is cover the rod with something (old sheet, etc) and then before I put on the epoxy I do some quick wipes with a Swiffer or some other "magnetically charged" dusting cloth. Takes the dust and lint right off. I do this before I put on CP and again before I put on the finish.

I don't know that I would recommend the alcohol cleaning. I would think it would affect the CP and maybe the thread. All you can do is try it however.

Dave

You need to protect the wraps from dust between wrapping sessions. Cover with paper, sheet, etc.

If you feel you need to remove any dust that has managed to somehow accumulate, just blot lightly with a piece of masking tape.

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how about using one of those compressed can cans that you use to clean computer keyboards and screens?

sorry i meant air cans not can cans......

Using alcohol to clean AFTER CP will pull some of the CP off, depending on what CP you use.

I just cover my wraps with folded pieces of paper.

Don't use alcohol if you color the guide feet with Sharpies. It dissolves the color and runs into the threads turning them varying shades of black. Trust me, I know.

John, I split cheap sandwich baggies and lay them over each wrap until I get to the finish. I would not use alcohol. The tack cloths that mr. French talks about in the post above mine are excellent for removing any dust particles just prior to the finishing. Just be sure to dab lightly with them, don't rub or scrub. The masking tape tip is also good, but again, use a light touch. Good wrappin'

One caution with the tape method. If I am doing a single inlay of metallic in a NonCP thread and with CP, I try to secure the inlay with 1 or 2 at most turns. This will hold the thread in place but does not allow much manipulation. A few times when using thread I have pulled the inlay out. Not a huge deal but when I get all excited about putting on the finish, then have to stop and rewrap it is frustrating. Other than that, make sure you don't do any sanding or such in the same area as you finish. Tape works great.
Elrod

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I guess the first thing I need to do is make sure my three year old son doesn't get his hands on my newly wrapped tip sections and chase our black lab around the house!

I wonder what it is like to build in a shop instead of the dining room....

John