I had problems in the past with metallic threads, no matter what I try every time I wrap with HT Metallic thread I always get kinks in the threads when wrappinhg. The thread will twist and curl and no matter what I do it wont help. I have tried less tension, no tension, placing the spool in a cup etc etc.

When I run my fingers along the thread I can feel some slight imperfections or is metallic thread that way?

Any help with this problem would be appreciated.


Thanks
Fernando

I used to put it on a piece of rod blank in a cup notched out to hold the blank. Ran it off the top of the spool back away from me, down into a book, through it and out to the blank. Never had a problem that way.
I now use a tensioning device bought from Jann's; the thread is on a dowel beside the tensioner. No problems, either.

Putter

Again, have to recommend @#$%&'s Thread Tensioner. The pressure is placed on the spool and the thread isn't compressed between anything in order to get tension. Because metallics are made by wrapping a core thread with a metallic covering, the outer layer can be easily stripped or damaged. The least amount of handling of the outer layer is best. jmo

I have been using Madeira metallic for the last few months and have none of the problems that I had with HT.

I am sold on Madeira. The Polyneon #40 (which is their nylon) has over three hundred colors. The metallic thread comes in several sizes which I think are all smaller then size A, which using it for underwraps and then overwrapping with A or their Polyneon #40 is easier with less problems with gaps.

www.madeirausa.com

Larry Tysinger

This does seem strange to hear all the problems with this Gudebrod metallic thread on the board; I've never had any problems with it while wrapping. I've nicked it when trimming tag ends and burnished it too much (too hard) and messed it up, but never one problem when wrapping??
I use this stuff on guides on nearly every rod that I've built for many years.

Putter

If you have a long piece hanging down when you run your fingers over the long end with any pressure it will spiral itselt due to the twist in the covering. Do not handle excessively - let long ends hang free to naturally get the twist out itself - tension on spoon not on thread - do not try to burnish - when cutting tag ends pull tight and cut with SHARP tool (nippers best) - some colors more difficult to work with than others (red and black the worst)- constant tension critical (too much and the thread will tend to jump back and come loose. I have a strong pill for the headache after a few beers do not work.

I use the home made spool tensioner pictured under my name on the Photo board.

Good Luck
Gon Fishn

Larry, or anyone: Any problem with fisheyes when using this Maderia thread? Is it silicone coated or not?

go to a large fabric store and see if they have sulkey metalic thread. it is finer than gudebrod and i don't have those problems you describe.

I've used the Madeira on about 6 rods now (metallics), Tom. I haven't had any problems with it YET, but Billy V. alluded to this in a post on the picture board; said he was going to sell it all??
Just finished over some Madeira this weekend, in fact.

Putter

Putter can you shoot me over some info on that thread? Thanks a bunch. :)

If you are wrapping by power just hold the spool of thread in your hand and you will never have these problems. It takes a little getting use to but is by far easier once you get the hang of it. Jesse

I would like to purchase the @#$%&'s Thread Tensioner for metalic thread. I went to all the sponsors on the left to search. I could not locate a distributor. Could you help me out ko Tamura or any one else?
Thanks in advance.
Byron

Sulky or Madeira metallics will cure that, I think they also cinch better as trim wraps than HT also.

Byron, you can email the inventor of the @#$%& Thread Tensioner director. His name is John Mantele. Email to jhelga@cox.net

John also is the designer of the All American @#$%& Spiral Roller Guides.

I have also experienced a slight quirkiness whith the HT thread. You have to be careful when handling the thread with your fingers or the outer shell will pull off. I don't even think about burnishing solid HT wraps. Now on the other hand the Sulky metallics burnish to a smooth finish. The only problem I have with the Sulky thread is the spools they come on. I wish they marketed them on the short/fat spools like everyone else. Jay

I got plenty to move on with, really appreciate the help and will use methods and others threads mentioned. I have been wrapping by hand and had even unwound about 2-3 feet of thread at a time and just let it hang and still had the problem.

Burnishing this thread did become a problem so I would do very little or none at all. Will be back at it as soon as I get the last days of the hunt in.

Thanks all
Fernando

For them jumbo spools - pitch the spool in a container and take three or four wraps around one of your standard spools in you current spool type tensioner and wrap away. Works for me.

Gon Fishn