hey ya'll
i am a novice rod builder, and need some advice please. is there any special technique to applying the finish to these type of wraps? i am building my 4th rod, and on my 2nd and 3rd i had trouble with the thread moving when applying the flex coat finish. also if the thread does move what can you do to fix it when the finish is wet. thanks any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hey David: I've seen at least one message where the author used CP to sort of keep the thread from moving around too much before/during applycation of finish. I tried that but didn't see the benefit. I've done 2 butt wraps and haven't had much trouble keeping things together; maybe mine are wrapped tighter? As for fixing the thread while everything is still wet I would assume a toothpick or other pick-like tool and then maybe flame the area to flow the coating?

If your threads are moving they are too loose, you need to wrap them tighter when doing the wrap. When I complete a butt wrap and secure the ends, I apply a soaking coat of flexcoat cp and after several minutes pat it with an old tshirt till the excess is removed and no cp is visable but the entire wrap is wet. After it drys, I apply the first finish coat, I use Classic coat. After the wrap is completely covered with finish and while its turning on my dryer(4 rpm), I do about 20 length wise brush stokes the entire lenght of the wrap to even out the finish. hope this helps

I think you can wrap the butt, tip and signiture area a little tighter because there is no guide to deal with. Correct me if I am wrong. Tom

David!

Ditto on the wrapping a little tighter. I've been in the same position before with a single trim strand on the outside of an open diamond and fixed it exactly as you described. Move it and smooth the finish out. The point of a burnishing would probably serve you a little better than a pick as it's less likely to catch on any thread under what you need to move. If you're using Flex Coat you can flame it a little to make the finish "flow" a little easier and just watch what direction your brush stroke is going as not do disturb the problem thread again if possible.

Mark Griffin
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C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Novice here too. But I have found that if I use a wide plastic putty knife I can get the finish on the whole wrap ( I usually don't make long butt wraps) at the same time without brushing. I use CP at the crosses and wrap pretty snug to keep the threads from moving. Haven't had a problem yet.

Bill in WV

hey tom,
thanks for the reply. i took off the initial wrap i was having trouble with and re-wrapped it with much better results. thanks to you and the others that have replied to my question for your valuable input.

hey mark,
i did not know that you too were a custom rod builder. i guess i should have figured it out with the association of your store. i still have alot to learn, and being a perfectionist it drives me crazy to have even one thread out of place. i took off the diamond wrap and re-wrapped it on top of a light blue ncp under wrap with much more success than the first time. thanks to you and all the others that have replied to the question i had for your helpful input.

william,
thanks for the reply. i am trying to absorb all this information, which has been very helpful. thanks to all of you, and happy rod building.

fpfd_23,

Just a head's up! Your post will probably be automatically removed as all post are required to have full name (First & Last)

Mike

hey mike,
sorry about the mistake. how can i change my @#$%& (sorry guys) user name to my real name?