How do you level a blank for applying epoxy finish? I have been using a torpedo level and still get finish bunching up on the tip end. I read a post in the earlier pages that said not to use a bubble level. How else would you do it? I've already done a search and it turned up nothing.

Bill in WV

Bill,
when you use the torpedo level take into acount the taper of the blank, that should stop the problem.

Myles is right, you want to level the center line of the blank. If you level the top of the blank then the epoxy will creep toward the butt of the rod. If you level the bottom of the rod then the epoxy will creep toward the tip.

The new issue of RodMaker has a tool you can make that allows you to perfectly level any rod in any drying or wrapping fixture in about 20 seconds. Easy to make and easy to use. You won't find anything better for this purpose.

........

I use a 9" level and level the top of the blank. Works great. Has a flat side and a groove in the other Got it at home depot.
You also may be putting you finish on a little heavy. Two thin coats better then one heavy coat
I also let the bubble move back a tad figuring for the taper



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2005 09:01AM by bill boettcher.

Assuming my table is level I measure the center line of the rod at both ends with a ruler... Can't wait for the new issue!

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Never had a problem just eye-balling it. I'm not convinced you have to be that accurate to get good results.

Never Fails!!! Need something, Rodmaker will provide it!!!! Can't wait. Thanks, Tom

Mike

For quite some time I have seen builders say they try to level their rods by putting various kinds of levels on the top of their rod and doing all sorts of compensations for the slope of the top of the blank because of the taper. What you need to do is put the right kind of level on the side of the rod and here is how you do it. go to your hardware store and buy a "line level" it will be a small plastic piece with a glass tube in it with a bubble for the leveling. It is called a line level because on on side it has molded in the plastic two hooks to hang it on a chaulk line. You will notice along the side opposite the glass level tube the plastic has a "V" sape molded in it. Now you go to the metal shapes area of the store and buy yourself a piece of 5/8" or 3/4" aluminum angle. When you get home cut a piece off that stick of angle equal to the length of the line level. Now epoxy it in the 90 degree notch along the the bottom side of the line level. De-burr the aluminum. NOW all you have to do is put your new rod level on the side of the blank and read what the horizontal levelness of your rod is. It is just that easy. the Angle on the line level is self centering to the horizontal centerline of the rod. I hope this helps solve all those methods I have seen discussed here.

Kerry