I'm new to rodbuilding, and have been following the posts about using metallic thread without CP. I tried using Gudebrod HT copper as a trim without CP. When I applied the finish, I could see the tag end of the copper under the nylon wrap when it became translucent. How can I avoid this problem?

I am anxious to build a prettier rod, my first efforts are functional, but somewhat amateurish. Thanks in advance for any info, and especially for such a great website.

Jim

You need to use CP when using the nylon thread, otherwise the nylon thread will be translucent as was the case with your wrap. CP will not effect the metallic thread.

Sean Endres
North East Rod Builders
New London, CT

Like Sean said! You can also use metallic for the main guide wrap also!!!


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Try putting the ends of your trim wrap under the rod as it is fished, You will still see them, but on as you fish the rod.

Jim,

Like Bill said, put your tag ends near the foot of the guide on spinning rods and spiral wrapped casting rods, and on the opposite side of the guide on a conventional casting rod. This makes it so the meatallic ends are always on the down side of the rod, away from your sight.

You can also try cutting your tags off, before wrapping your nylon thread. I've done this, by:

Not the best choice, because they can come undone easily:

1. Pulling the trim wraps tight (as few as two wraps), and trimming the tags, then wrapping your nylon.

Or, more better

2. (After you position the trim wraps exactly where you want them, in reference to the guide foot) By putting CP on the trim wraps alone, letting it dry, cutting the ends off with a scalpel or razor, and then wrapping the nylon thread on and finishing. Make sure you extend the finish over the trim wrap onto the blank, if using acrylic CP, to prevent moisture from getting to the wrap.

Good luck! :)

Chris



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2006 03:52PM by Chris Herrera.

Thanks for all the good info. While my questions are general in nature, my specific project is a Powell LGA 9' 4 wt fly rod. I was reading a post concerning "thread for Sage XP" where many posters suggested nylon thread with a metallic trim. I tried it on the butt of this rod as an experiment, and could see the little tag ends of the metallic thread. I'm guessing that your ideas and others will help make this rod nicer looking when I am done.

Thanks

Jim

Do the trim band by itself. TEhre are instructions, I think in teh Library on this site. Anil knot style, something along those lines.

What`s a "Anil Knot".Dont you mean "anal".

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

If you want the thread to look as it comes off the spool then put a coat of CP on first. Then you should not see the tag ends of any trim wraps.

Nail Knot. My bad. Fingers only work with thread, not with keys.

This is one of the reasons that I switched to the nail knot technique. The choice or not of CP for the main wrap is not impacted by the trim band(s), either using metallic or different color nylon. For example, I think it works really well for adding a metallic trim band then a small trim band outside of the metallic in the same thread as the main wrap. On occasion I have wrapped the main wrap and applied my first thin coat of finish to turn it dark and translucent. Then added the metallic wraps with the nylon mainwrap thread outside of the metallic. Then finished the total wrap with finish. This looks like the metallic band is an inlay. Or, if you want the thread to be CPed you can wrap all three wraps (main and 2 nail knot bands) and apply CP as normal on all three wraps and keep the thread color.