So I've been using 2 techniques to do single thread inlays in my wraps. The first is outlined in the Custom Rod Building book by Dale Clemens. I've done this several times, but I find that it's hard to make it so that the ends meet up cleanly, and it's also very easy to disturb while cinching down the loose tag end.

The other is to do the following:

wrap one tag end 5 turns under my normal wraps

make 1 full wrap of the normal thread, and pull slightly out of the way to make space.

wrap the inlay thread in the created gap

next take the loose tag end and wrap it under the loop of the inlay thread (1/2 a square knot essentially) and tighten it

finally take the loose tag end and bind it under the normal thread wraps.

This works pretty well on thin diameter metallics, but it does leave a tiny "bump" where the inlay thread passes under itself.

I was wondering if anyone had other techniques that they've been doing. If it's a trade secret, then don't worry, I'm just wondering if anyone knows of cleaner or faster ways of doing this and would like to share!


-- Cheers
-- James

Your second method is the one I use. Burnish that bump, you can almost make it dissapear. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.