What is the best method to get the smoothest, most even finish possible when coating long sections of wraps along the blank,especially in front of the grip? I already warm the components and dispense them in a shallow, flat container with foil. Thanks

Kevin,
You should everything covered then make long horizontal strokes to even everything out.Make sure you dont put too much finish on your wraps, which is the culprit to most uneven finish jobs in my opinion.
Hope this helps,
Noel

Brush and Hand Turn Procedures

Others will comment on rotating and spatula.

Start on largest end.

Tackle about two inch sections of the wrap at a time.

Rod on supports standing still - no rotation.

Load brush - Apply to top of blank & pull with 2" strokes in one direction toward the tip end. No back and forth brushing.

Cover top and partially down the sides of the 2" section you are working on.

Rotate and perform the above on until you completely go around the circumference on this section.

When done move to the next two inch section and repeat. Slightly overlap to the completed section.

When you get to the end of the area to be finished take a look at the bottom of the blank and see if there are any sags of excess finish. If so just take your brush and wick away the sagging excess. This is better than trying to rotate the sag up and attempting to spread it out.

Take your brush and make 1/2 to full length light pulls completely down the finished surface. Do this all the way around the rod.

Rotate the rod in the light beam reflected on top and you can easily spot any area that does not have any finish. Make long stroke additions with small amounts of additional finish.

Now the hard part.

Trust the finish to self level while the rod is standing still on the supports for about two or three minutes on several axis. During this time wick off any excess from the bottom.

Carefully place in dryer and rotate until cured or hand turn periodically for a few hours.

I am sure that others will provide additions to this method that will surely get you on your way to a complete flat finish.

Gon Fishn

Well, I can tell you, what Bill just described works well. I have had the pleasure of watching him work and it is amazing how simple he makes things look that most people think are complicated.

Larry

Good info, Bill! Lately, I have been hand turning for an hour or two and it has greatly imoroved my wraps. I turn blank 180 degrees when it starts to sag on bottom (after wicking of sags/excess). At first it's every few minures but as it starts to set, the intervals get longer. Once it's pretty set, I start the drying motor.

Easy and surprisingly effective

Mike

Thank you for all of your input!

Kevin