I'm working on rod#3 and this time I decided to attempt an underwrap for the eyes. I used metallics lt blue, when I was happy with the wrap pattern I sealed it with about 3-4 coats of U40 permagloss. When I wrapped the eyes over the underwrap, I had the hardest time getting the thread to go on smoothly, some areas of thread are thin and has gaps. I tried to pack teh thread and while I was able to so some of them not all of the gaps would pack or burnish out... How do the pros get underwraps & over wraps nice & tight. I dont necessarily mind the gaps and such (it does look like a custom wrap) how ever tighter wrap looks better.

Thanks

Rich

You might try to apply more than one coat of permagloss. Enough to ensure the underwrap threads are entirely covered. Another thing I do (when ever possible) is to wrap in the opposite direction from the underwrap. Underwrap up the blank. guide wrap down the blank.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Did you use the same size thread for both wraps?I've always used Two different size thread. "A" under wrap with a size "D" wrap. works much better. I also coat the wraps before overwrap

Barry - I should have noted.... I'm using "A"

I generally underwrap in "A", burnish, then wrap guide with "C" or "D". THEN apply finish. You can use "A" to overwrap but it will be a struggle usually, and you'll have to stop every so many turns and pack the thread.

Lou

'Normally' I underwrap in A and do my guide wraps in A with no problems. Since metallics don't burnish as well as nylon you should pay special attention to get it on tight to begin with. I will try to have my thread come on to the rod at a sharp angle to get a tight pack. After sealing the underwrap with epoxy or permagloss you should still be able to do a guide wrap in size A thread w/o a problem.

If you have gaps in your underwrap, it will be a pain to do the guide wraps in the same size A thread. You can solve this by doing one of two things. (1) Do the guide wrap in C or D thread. (2) Since you're not too far into the project, cut the underwraps off and start over being careful not to form gaps in the thread.

Jay

It is a pain but Jay is right. I always wrap by hand. I feel you should be able to push about 5-8 or so threads when packing. If not, you may have you tension to tight?
Pack often Check often. When tight one wet coat of permagloss should work. Two to be sure

Unlike some of the other fellows above I use A (and thinner) for underwraps and A for the guide wraps as well and I've found that by keeping a good bit of tension on the underwaps then burnishing them to pack the threads I have little difficulty getting the guide wraps to come out smooth. What I do though is backoff on the tension for the guide wraps and burnish with less pressure than on the underwraps. I know this probably doesn't help you much as terms like "more" and "less" tension isn't what you can "feel" in words. If you're going to be in Charlotte, please stop by and I'll let you run the wrapper and feel the amount of tension on each - and do some practice wraps as well.

Thanks for the great responses..... I will mark this as a lesson learned. Istruggles wrapping the 1st 6 guides and I do want to see my friend try out this pole (he has some health problems) What I did was hacked the thread as much I could, and it didnt come out that bad, some mistakes here and there but that's okay. It adds charactor,


Ken - I would absolutely love ot come down to Charlotte, however I wont be able to... work and the fact that I'm on the west coast (california). If I may add I purchased your DVD and it helped me out quite a bit. I look forward to other installments.

right now the 1st coat of permagloss is drying. I have a few pics, that I'll resize and attemp to upload to share them.

this rod also was my 1st attempt at a butt wrap, all I can say is not as easy as it look!!! Soon as I recieve the weave jig from Kens rod & reel repair I will be starting another project.