I finished the wraps on a D.C. 10' 8wt. Sig V about a week ago and have not had the time to apply any finish as yet. I probably should have, but neglected to cover the wraps when they were completed. Anyway, I now observed small amounts of dust clinging to the thread. Can I use an ordinary commercial type tack cloth to remove the dust prior to finishing, or am I asking for incompatibility problems between any residue left by the tack cloth and the epoxy (Flex Coat Lite)? Does anyone have experience with a dependable and safe method to do this? I wanted to apply the finish tommorrow as I have the day off. Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks from a rookie,
Rick

The tack cloth will work fine to remove dust particles or you can use the sticky side of masking tape to do the same thing. Just dab the tack cloth or masking tape against the threads rather than rubbing.

I use the masking tape method.Awhile back I seem to remember a post about the chemicals in the tack cloth possibly causing fisheyes in the finish.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

If you have a spray can of compressed air for your computer, that will work. Test blow it on the back of your hand. It shouldn't feel too cold or wet. If the can sprays any kind of cloud or gets cold, it's blowing a condensate or propellant and you don't want that to wet the thread. A clean & dry soft-bristle toothbrush can be used to remove whatever the compressed air won't blow away.

Next time you have to wait (who knows how long) more than a few hours between wrapping and finishing, cut open a virgin, unscented, plastic garbage bag, lengthwise, and cover the rod with that or a recent dry-cleaner bag. An ounce of that prevention will be worth a pound of this cure. IMO, -Cliff Hall-

Surgical Blue Super Tackrag is anti-static and contains no silicone. Available at auto parts stores. Keep in air-tight container when not in use. Don't be misled, masking tape also can cause finish problems. If you must use masking tape, use 3M blue tape also available in auto parts stores.

Thanks guys for all the good advice. Next time if I have to wait before finishing, I'll definitely cover the rod.

Another nifty little device I use is a simple shaving brush. You know the type your grandfather used ! The bristles are soft, so they don't "friz" the thread and it doesn't leave behind any residue which most are worried about. Just becareful when you brush away the dust from the ferrel wraps that you don't brush toward the end and peel of your hard work ! ! !
Been using this brush for years, work great ! ! ! ! I do suggest getting a new one for yourself though, grampa may want his back ! ! !

Good wrappin,
David A. Fuller
Great Basin Fishing Rods

Good Wrappin !
David A. Fuller,
Great Basin Fishing Rods
Full-Time RV'r Traveling- n- Fishing
www.mytripjournal.com/FullersBigAdventure