I've read about using spatulas to apply finish but, I haven't seen anything on the actual technique. Can someone please ex[plain how finish is applied with this tool. (MY Kirkman book is on the way so maybe I won't have to ask so many basic questions)

Even with a brush, you don't really want to "brush" the finish. With both spatula or brush, you just load the tool with finish, touch it to the thread while rotating the blank (I find doing this from the top easier, sort of drop the finish onto the thread, and I rotate by hand), then "push" or "pull" it around a bit if necessary while the finish is still flowing well. In tight places, I substitute a toothpick or a pin for the spatula. If covering long surfaces, the technique is a bit different, but it's still more of a stroking than a brushing motion. The basic idea is you are just letting the flow of the epoxy coat the thread, hardly touching the thread, if at all, with the tool.

If you've ever seen Ralph O'Quinn do this (and he'll be demonstrating it at his booth in Charlotte this weekend) he applies the epoxy with the spatula while the rod is spinning at about 200RPM.

I don't use a spatula personally, so I can't give you any of the ins and outs of the technique.

..........

Martin
If you can come by the U40 booth at Charlotte and we will demonstrate as Tom has said. You can also do it for yourself there too. As Tom Doyle has suggested let the epoxy flow off the spatula. Think of it as a putty knife as you can use it in a similar fashion. I use a spatula that is shape like Ralph's . It has a flat blade end and a tapered point end. The edges are rounded and chamfered to allow the epoxy to flow off.

If you are not going to the show, if you want I can send via email instructions that I have written for my rod building classes. I think it is best to have it demonstrated and then practice for yourself. Let me know. My email is hisrodshop@charter.net
Regards Joe Kassuba



His Rod Shop
Joe Kassuba

Martin
I have been using this technique for about 27 years, did'nt know until the article in Rod Building that it had the name " spatula" . The way i learned it is to use the stick end (not the cotton)of a cotton swab. I prefer the wooden sticks, then use the same technique as described to flow the finish onto the rod, toothpicks are used to get into the small areas around the eyes. I have seen a lot of changes in materials from using marine epoxy on fiberglass blanks to the new rod finishes and high modulus graphite, but this technique still gives me the result I want.

This way of doing it (letting the epoxy flow off a spatula onto the thread) works especially well if you do it by hand and, after everything is covered, let the blank "sit" in one postion until excess epoxy collects on the bottom, take the excess off (with the spatula), turn the blank 180 degrees, let it sit again, etc. Then, when the excess is removed, turn it as usual (with a dryer or by hand, your choice). Once you learn how much to remove, you get great results every time.

Sam, I was commenting on another thread that many of the "new" techniques such as using a spatula, and some devices such as the little cement mixer used to mix finish, have been around for many years. Decades in some instances - such as yours. Seems that they fade out of popularity only to be reintroduced later with great fanfare.

Since I underwrap most all my guides I found it difficult to dab finish under the guide frame when using a spatula, so I use a cheap "acid brush" to apply finish. Cheap and throw away.

I personally use an spare clemens lathe head to spin rods while applying finish, but do not like to spin them too fast or they begin to sling finish in all directions.

Lou