I figured the seasoned veterans could give me some tips on how to epoxy the guide wraps. Where I have problems is the few turns behind the guide. I know that it will get easier with practice, but I could use some helpful tips for getting epoxy on those couple of wraps--without filling the guide with epoxy.

Sean, I've learned the finish is easier to apply if I stop the wrap a few turns before the guide foot transitions away from the rod.
Patrick Vernacchio

I am assuming you mean the area underneath the guide? If so, I apply the epoxy to that area first before applying the balance as the rod turns. Try using a smaller brush for that area so you don't get excess underneath.

If it's a Forhan wrap or under a double foot, I use a dental pick to get in those tight spots. On smaller guides, it's all that I use at all.

I am not exactly sure what you are referring to as "the few turns beyond the guide", but sunce I generally build fly rods and use single foot guides, I assumed you were referring to those 3 turns or so of thread past the guide foot towards the rod tip. I use a simple pin to put a drop of epoxy around the guide foot area past the guide and each side of the guide foot. I can use the pin to better get the epoxy where I want it. I then use my brush to apply epoxy on the threads tying into the epoxy I put on with the pin. I apply the epoxy first to all the guide feet on a section of rod before using the brush to apply epoxy to the rest of the wrap.

I hope this helps.

Bob Widmaier

I use the forhan wrap. So I end up with a couple of wraps beyone the guide--towards the tip. I knew I would get great answers if I just asked. Thanks for all of the help.

Sean- Right after I mix my epoxy and pour it out onto aluminum foil, I take a toothpick (or a dental pick, like Putter), dip it into the epoxy and begin filling the "tunnels". Once I work my way up the rod, I start back at the first guide and back up to the top until I can't get any more epoxy to flow in. At this time, you can also brush epoxy onto those places that will be hard to reach, once the rod is turning.

A side benefit of taking the time to do this is that most bubbles in your epoxy will have disappeared by the time you get through filling your tunnels.

PK

Sean , i just posted my method on the previous post , I use it on the smaller guides with great results . I like to use a thinner brush 1/8 " to do in front of the fly guides . On the last couple , I'll use the dental pic to apply it . Have fun , John