OK...I'm not that old...Just 48. Not even that rod-building experienced...on rod 15 or so. But I did just learn some new tricks on the Rainshadow RX7 IST993 (for 6-10 lb line) that I just finished. Look out steelhead!

Trick #1. I've struggled getting nice even Flex Coat Lite edges beyond the ends of the wraps. Perfect if I stop at the end of the thread....but I want to overlap just a little and my edges can be irregular. Anyway...on this rod, on the 2nd coat of FC Lite, I put some on a tooth pick and hold the toothpick up agains the edge of the wraps as the rod turns...makes a beautiful even edged coating job. I'll pay with this some more.

Trick #2. After putting the FC Lite on a wrap and credit carding it evenly around I blow on the wrap...smooths out the FC Lite immediately. This is a neat gtrick...not sure why it took me so long to figue it out!.

Trick #3. Not a trick....Tom Kirkman says you should do it this way..but I haven't always. I put more FC Lite on each wrap this time.....spread it around evenly...then remove any excess (then blow on the stuff). I think I've traditionally put on too little...and not always had good coverage...often too 5-6 very thin coats.
Did this rod in 2 on the wraps on the top haf...and three on the bottom half wraps.

Anyway...I'm pleased. Rod turned out very nice. Metallic blue thread, Blue Forecast ceramics...No trim colors. Simple and very pretty.

A now more educated old dog....

Keith

old??..48??....I'll trade ages with you, no questions asked!

You wanna see bubbles disappear, epoxy level, epoxy sag so the excess can be wicked away - use a Propare torch.

You want nice edges, turn the blank really fast, easy to do with a foot pedal & motor, and use your toothpick, brush, credit card or whatever.

Billy,

Interesting, while I've read lots about it...I've never had any issue with bubbles in my wraps. I mix my FC Lite on aluminum foil...folding it together for 2 to 3 minutes...maybe that is it. But I've been lucky. No bubbles...ever.

Keith

You young whipper snapper LOL

My mentor says, and it is true, it doesn't matter how much you put on, but how much you take OFF. Gob it on, put the torch to it and wick the excess off the bottom. Works for me!

JC