I'm going to start my third rod and I use the v-blocks with the thread comming in from the front with a adjustable eyelet setup which helps you guide the thread at different positions on the jig. I built it from scratch. Its just like the ones you see in the catalogs. My question is, when wrapping the tiptop and the first three or four guides it feels awkward. You know, the tip is not really supported that well. I have to rubberband the tip down with two screws I put in the v-blocks. I have a third v-block that supports the butt section of the blanks. Is this the norm? I really don't like rubberbanding the tip down because it seems to interupt the natural flow of the thread and makes turning the blank uneasy. I don't use much tention. My wraps are good but not a joy to perform on the upper end. Thanks for any input or sympathy. Tom

Tom:

I use a home made V block rod jig to build rods and do mainly fly rods in the 3 - 6 weight range. These blanks are probably the most flxible and thin blanks at the tip to work with. I agree that the tip is a bit challenging due to the fact it is only supported on one side. However, I don't seem to be having the difficulties you have described. The thread wrap on the tip is decorative and does not hold the tip to the rod. It sounds like you have you thread a little tight and it is flexing the rod blank. Try placing a V block support as close to the tip section as possible and adjust the thread tension so that it only flexes the tip slightly. When turning the blank to wrap the thread, support the guide tip with a finger of your left hand as you turn the blank with you right hand. That is, if like me, you work with the tip towards your left. About every 5 wraps pack the thread.

I hope this helps.

Bob Widmaier

I also use a V block device I made many years ago. To do the tip top I move my thread caddie outside of the upright so that the upright is pretty close to the tip top. I also use less thread tension. Someone on this board also suggested using a fly tying thread bobbin to wrap the tip top and I found that works also.

Good Luck,
Jeff

Use a piece of cotton twine instead of rubber bands to hold the blank down in position to wrap. You can also double wrap the cotton twine around the blank for a bit of smoother tension.

on occasion, i have wrapped those first couple of guides (including the tip top) without the wrapping stand. just sat in front of the tv on my sofa and wrapped away. using only the first section with no others attached. i agree, it can be somewhat difficult in the stand. no phone book either for tension, just by feel. and if wrapping a trim band (i often times just do one on the opposite side of the guide's leg when using single foot wire guides) i cut a length of thread from the spool and work it freehand that way too.

eric
fresno, ca.

Thankyou very much for your responces. They will help.