I'm just starting out with rod building and would like to try a rebuild for my first project. Is it possible to remove the heavy flex coat epoxy covering the wraps on a trolling rod without destroying the rod? Thought it would peel off once I got started but seems to very brittle and not easy to remove.

Al,
If you will apply a little heat with something like a cigarette lighter it will come off easier. Be careful not to apply too much heat or the resin in the blank will break down.

Al,
After refurbishing almost a hundred rods, I'd have to tell you that the only real good item is patience! If you work slowly and carefully, the job somehow gets done very quickly. I like a dull knife for hacking away at solid chunks and a razor blade for lighter and flakier stuff. For some reason, many manufacturers put on the stuff so thick that it becomes very inconsistent. Don't worry abotu destroying the blank. As long as you don't actually cut into the thing, you're fine. I would personally be very weary of applying heat unless absolutely necessary because as Emory said, if you apply too much you screw up the blank. Good luck.

Al,
Another option for removing finish is if you can get the thread started where you can "unroll" it off of the blank and most of the finish will come off with the thread. I would wear some type of glasses while doing this because there will probably be projectiles flying around looking for a place to land.....like in your eyes. OUCH!!!
Hope this helps,
Noel



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/2005 03:22PM by Noel Spann.

Al - I asked this same question a few weeks ago because I would like to redo the wraps on my first project. The best answer I got was an email from a fellow builder who stated he first cuts into the wraps on top of the guide feet with a razor blade (only on the guide feet not the blank) and peels off what he can then he uses a hair dryer to gently heat the remaining coating then scrapes it off with a plastic knife. He says he has done this many times. It sounded good to me.
I haven't tried it yet but plan to in the next few weeks.
Good luck,
Greg

AL,

Noel gave you the best advice for removing the thread & finish. Take a pick and try to pull threads from the tunnel area (nearest the ring). You should get one that you can pull on that will unwrap the guide foot along with the finish. The hardest part is figuring the direction the thread was put on so you can pull the other way. Don't try to cut them off as you will only have a lot of little threads to pull on possably damage the blank. After you have the thread and guide off there will be finish residue on the blank. Use hair dryer to heat the last bit of finish and with your fingernail or maybe an old credit card scrape off the remaining finish. Take your time and you'll be ok. If you have any other questions just post them here. There are a lot of great people here that will help.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Well, it took most of the day but mission accomplished. Not fun that's for sure but I am satisfied with the results. Thanks to all for your help.
Al