I am having some trouble with epoxy application. Using the PacBay single foot guides on flyrods, after wrapping the guide I apply a thin coat of flex-coat lite, let it dry, cut of the little bumps, etc., then , using the plastic end of a small art brush, I apply another coat of flexcoat lite, using the method described by Garcia in his book and video. My problem is that the epoxy runs away from the base of the guide; where the foot and guide meet. I have checked the level of my rod in the turner and thats okay. I use a thread-lock to hold guide in place, which means that one or two threadwraps are under the edge of the foot, which may be my problem. My question to the experienced, is what could be the cause of the epoxy running away from the end of the guide foot, where the foot/guide meet?and , of course, how do I eliminate the problem? Thanks, in advance, for any advice ...

Im not an expert , but i think i can help. i think u mean that when ur finishig the guides the finish is running over the top of the threads and forming an ugly looking glob of epoxy that clings to the blank and the neck of the guide? I've had the same problem, and the best way i can tell you what I do is...I rotate the rod on my turner for a few mins after the second coat...I than use a mcdonalds stirrer to wick away the excess epoxy from in between the guide and the blank. I just did a $$$ rod that i forgot to do this on one of the sections...will it hurt the blank? I hope not, but looks ugly...one day I'll redo it, but the rods for me and it will stiff fish fine.

hope this helps

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information,which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance--that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
- Herbert Spencer

Well, actually what my problem is, is just the opposite; from the "neck" of the one foot guides, the epoxy runs back toward the end of the foot( hope that is clear)What I have is the threads closest to where the foot meets the line guide are void of any epoxy and the end of the foot has too much; I've raked it back while it is being applied, but when I start turning it, it leaves the "hump" where the foot and line guide meet. I have made probably 50-60 rods, and this problem has just came up; and i cannot figure out what is wrong.

Sorry, I misunderstood ya....

hope u figure it out and post the solution so It dont happen to me...

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information,which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance--that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
- Herbert Spencer

When you say your rod is level do you mean that you put a level on it or did you measure to the center of the rod from the lathe bed or rod stands to the bench? If you are measuring to the center of the blank (as you should) then perhaps the table you are working on isn't level to start with.

Just a theroy, but you might wait till the 2nd coat of epoxy is just plyable still able to move. This may be after an hour or so of spinning , oyu miight mix up extra and check the mixing cup for the state of the cure. At this time turn off the rod spinner/dryer and place the guides down and tip the rod sothe epoxy moves up to the top of the guide foot, and let sit for 10 mins then start turning again. You might try this earlier on than an hour which is just a guestimate, letting the drop pool where you want it, wait a short peroid then start spinning again, watch what happens and if the epoxy is going where you want it....Alternatives: tip your whole set up to angle down to the side you need it , but double foots would then be a problem. OR apply three thin coats and know that you are and plan accordingly. Too much epoxy in the location you mention can lead to line slap.

thats a good theory; that I am applying the epoxy lite before it jels enough to hold the position; but I have been making rods using this same stuff 3-4 years, and all of a sudden it starts happening;also, not all the guides are this way; only a few; the three thin coats may also be the solution; never used three except on one rod; and it "footballed" on me and had to cut it off.

A picture would be worth a thousand words. Just a thought.

Footballs won't happen unless there is too much epoxy on the wrap. This wrap.... [www.rodbuilding.org] ....has four (4) coats of epoxy. All applied fairly heavy and allowed to self level.

Best of luck with your current situation. If you can get a picture of the problem wraps, put them on the photo board. I'm still a little confused as to the actual problem.

Jay

Contamination???

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

If to much were applied the foot ball would be towards the guide ring and not the foot end.
Cantamination will usually result in some fisheyes. And this sound like a cantimination issue. Any changes in how the guides are prepared ie grinding or filing, any change in thread, cleaning of hands prior to wrapping, and so on.
Try turning by hand if all else fails.
Have you considered using U40 Perma Gloss. Very lite and tough finish for fly rods. It can be built up to look like thin coat epoxy using about 7 thin coats.
Joe

I have not tried U40, but i've heard its good stuff; still haven't figured out my problem, but some great suggestions to check out; it still baffles me. But, thanks everybody, for your suggestions...