My favorite part of flyrod building is choosing thread colors. I'm very interested in madeira thread but a little confused on what type I should be using. I found a nice website that has a million colors and they call it polyneon machine embroidery 40wt thead. Is this what I should use? What should I be aware of by using thread not specificley designed for rod building? I do not use cp and finish with fc high build. Our rodbuilding thread companies really need to expand their color choices. Thanks for any input.

Polyneon #40 is fine. You do need to use color preserver. I use two or three coats of Gudebrod 811.

Why do you have to use cp? Thanks

Sewing threads are usually treated with silicone for use in sewing machines. If you don't use CP, you will probably get a bad reaction with the finish. The CP will seal the thread (and silicone).

Mike

I've done it without CP, Tom, but it's a real pain. If and when the finish starts to fisheye here and there in the wrap, I have to keep warming it and dragging it around. It's difficult as heck and time consuming as all get out (have to stay with it until the finish is near set up). But I've done it several times and gotten good results; probably not worth it, though...

Putter
Williston, ND

So you won't be able to have a translucent look when finished?

Tom, all I've ever used in Madeira is their metallic threads so I can't help ya out there.

Search here

Hi Tom,
The Madeira thread you want to use is the way to go, however as most everyone agrees you must use cp just to keep from going crazy with your final finish. I contacted Madeira directly and got thier catalog, the polyneon colors are very interesting and your mind can go wild with all the different combinations you can put together. I am also into custom cars and bikes so you can imagine what you can come up with for rod building. Fly rod colors have a tendency to be a little on the subduded side but with the variety of colors from Madeira you can always and some "baumwah".