I'm trying to start my guide wraps with 3-turns of one color followed by a single-turn of another color followed by the main thread up the guide foot. I'm getting it accomplished at a painfully slow pace, trying different methods. If anyone has any tips on how they do this I would sure like to read them.

I would tape down one thread for the single band color and a longer thread for the three band color along with two slip loops (one for each)along the blank where it is least visible in use; but away from the side gaps of any guide. Then I'd start the main color wrap making sure you are placing it in the right spot. After wrapping about 1/2 inch of main color I'd stop and keep that thread under tension. Next I'd wrap the band of three and pull the tag end under the wrap. Then I'd wrap the single band and pull the tag end of that under the wrap as well. Then I would just continue wrapping the main color.
I hope this is easy to follow.
Good luck,
Dave

Dave: I see what you mean. This is working better for me. I only used one slip loop though. For some reason I don't have a problem keeping tension on the single wrap while I start the end band wrap. I just wrap the first part of the end band over the singled wrap end that I am keeping tension on and then I pull the end wrap back through the already wrapped main section. Thanks much, your tip really helped me. Maybe I can finally put this rod on the drying rack this weekend.

Dave uses the same method I do. Bury the trim tags under the main wrap and you'll have no worries...unless you forget to put in the pull-through loops at the beginning! Best of luck.

Jay

I would not do it exactly the way Dave does. I would tape down the "single color thread" so that it 's tage ends could be buried under the body of the main wrap, however I treat all trim bands made of 2 turns or more as seperate entities from the main wrap if possible. I don't use CP, and I don't like to see ends buried under thread. Also, I haate burying threads under each other as it creates more lumps to cover with finish.
SO, I would bury the ends of the single wind under the main wrap a la Dave's suggestion, then go back and do the seperate 3 turn trim band by wrapping over a tie off loop and pulling the ends under the trim band, pushing it up next to the single wind, and trimming with a razor blade. That should be quicker than all that taping and burying.

Andy Dear
Lamar MAnf.

Andy,
I like your way better.