I very much like the look of a narrow trim band but am having a heck of a time getting this done.I can get the desired width but am having a real problem tieing off.Also if anyone can lead me in the right direction doing single thread inlays it would be greatly appreciated.I am working on a Pac Bay rainforest blank with single foot guides and want to put a narrow trim band at one end and a narrow trim band in the middle.Thanks

Dave- get your hands on a copy of RodMaker Magazine, Volume 6, Issue #1. There's a great article with photos on narrow trim bands and thread inlays. Check with Tom Kirkman on ordering back issues Of RodMaker.

Pete Kornegay

get ken prestons dvd. he shows you in detail how to add and drop threads.

Learn to tie a nail knot and you'll be able to crank out trim bands as narrow as 2 threads.

Similar to the nail knot (same principle, same result) is to lay down the pull through loop on the blank first.

If you want to use two wrap trim bands on the end of a wrap a simple solution is to form a "clove hitch" knot and secure it in place by pulling the thread ends snug. The tightened knot will hold better using Sulky metallic thread than it will with Gudebrod metallics. When the band is in place and pulled up firm use a drop of PermaGloss or super glue to adhere it. After it dries you may trim the ends. This method allows you flexibility in trying different combinations of trim after the guides are wrapped.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

To see a clove hitch open: [www.goals.com]

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I do single wraps by wrapping the thread around the blank once, then a piece of tape on to hold the tag ends. Wrap my main thread over this about 5 turns, take the tape off and tighten the tag ends of the trim thread. Trim the ends and continue wrapping

Here is what I do. Hopefully it is clear enough in its description.

I usually end up using a one to two colors in metallic within my guide wraps. Sometimes I use the one color as a trim band and the other as the accent band halfway up the guide wrap.

What I do, and I have found it quite easy as compared to wrapping a trim band by itself and slidding it over to the end of the wrap, is tape down both ends of the accent thread on the blank. The one end will be above the guide foot placement and the other below. I begin my wrap of my main thread and continue the wrap until I am where I want the middle accent band. At this point I release the tape's hold on the "above" tag end and wrap in one to two turns of this thread, then I return it to it's taped position above the guide again. I wrap a few more turns of the main guide foot wrapping thread and then trim the tag end off close to the main thread and remove it and the tape from the blank. I resume wrapping the guide and finish it. At this point, I have the other half of the accent thread on the below side waiting for me to wrap it. I release the tape and wrap one to two turns and pull the thread under to tighten it down. I trim it close (if using just one wrap, I apply a minute amount of super glue to the underside as I complete the trim wrap band before cutting it off. I would suggest that the threads are packed at where you want them before you put that little dab of superglue on the thread to fasten it in place. This method can be used for as many or as little accent colors that you wish to use.

This tip was given to me by Bill (BDTrout) off the TSS Ohio Boards and has helped me tremedously. Most of all, it is extremely easy to do.

Domenic Federico

Thanks to everyone for their time and help with this matter.Not sure which method to try but i am on the way out to the shop right now.Thanks again.

I agree with John Black, get Ken Preston's DVD. It's awesome.

Bill in WV