Every time I apply the first coat of finish my trim wraps have little rough spots. They are really tiny so I don't think I can cut them off. I don't know what causes this. Whats the best way to sand this area? What grit is to be used. Its almost like the first overlap and the pull through just don't want to lay down. I use Toms continuous wrap method and I like it. They look great until the finish. If I could just get through this my rods would look much nicer. Thanks for any insight.

Tom,
Sounds like you either are not getting the tag ends cut off cleanly or maybe you are getting fuzzies.
Any tiny bit of thread sticking up that you don't see before you apply the finish will result in that effect
after the finish has set.
Solutions: 1) use a new sharp razor blade (some builders prefer the double edge type as they are thinner)
and pull up tightly when you cut them off. ( the tension causes the end to pull under the wrap)
2) burnish the wrap well after to insure burried ends.
3) look very closely for small hairs of thread that may not have gotton cut clean or for what ever
reason is sticking up and if you see any of these fuzzies or a tag end not burried and too short
to cut try burnishing again and then flame the wrap very quickly and carefully with a lighter or
alcohol flame. ( must be a clean flame no soot) The flame will melt the fuzzies and they will
or should disappear!

When you have those little tiny bumps after the finish is set you can just cut them close with a razor or sand
them down with an emory board or similar and then apply another coat of finish.
Easy fix happens all the time dont sweat it. Some threads are more prone to this trouble than others. I have
the most trouble with metallics myself.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Tom;
like Ray said about using a flame, hold the rod UNDER the flame, not on top. This avoids the dreadded soot problem he spoke of. Also you might try not using your regulay thread tensioning device for trim wraps, may be causing you problems also, ie fraying.

Ray, what are you doing up this time of night, I thought I was the only idot working graves!

Fred Crum
Dixon, Ca.

A bit more burnishing before the finish maybe?

Burrs still there? I like a small emory board and lightly touch it up with a thin coat over the whole wrap after.

Putter
Williston, ND

Tom: I'm still getting more than I want of the same thing. I have seen some improvement based on advice from others on this site and the Doc Ski DVD. If you can take a look at that DVD he shows how to burnish the thread in a way to sort-of pull the tag end under the wrap a little bit. I have seen some improvement in just getting down closer and at a greater magnification to actually watch the cut and apply it in a more careful and meticulous way. I like to get enough magnification on the small wraps to see the individual A-size threads. I like the small alcohol flame thrower for just brushing the thread with a quick flame too. After the first coat of FC light I have found that I can usually shave off the bad part with a carefully applied sharp blade. The emory board works well too. Good luck. I'm looking forward to hearing what other methods you might find that work well.

Tom,

I had the same trouble, what I do is really easy and works 100% of the time:

Allow 1st coat of epoxy to set up, find the "burr's" and sand them down with a tiny piece of 600-1500 grit wraped around the tip of a popsicle stick (the larger flat side of the stick)... (sandpaper and all dipped in water).

After de-burring wipe down with a wet paper towel to remove any sanding leftovers on each area/wrap AS YOU GO, don't allow the sanding leftovers to dry (it can make the sanding leftovers harder to remove if you do allow it to dry). Re-coat with 2nd coat of epoxy. Done. Perfect everytime.

It sounds like a task, but really only takes 5 minutes for the entire rod, .....it's simple really.

DR

Thanks for all the replies. I have work to do! Duane, do you use 600 or 1500 grit, or anywere inbetween? Thanks Tom.

Small nibs: 1500

1500 most of the time, I'll only use corser if the situation needs it.

DR