belated turkey day to all and happy digestions. i used some of the quite time today to work on my rod project.

my blank is a matte gray rainshadow. i used garnet thread without color preserver and steel blue mettalic for trim bands. i did a couple as nail nots, but was not happy with the way they came out. then i did the rest as 3 wraps of mettalic a la ray adams writeup. i liked the results of the the double tags (if you will). nice tight. even appearance.

i applied finish today to the first part of my rod today. since i am still working on getting the guides lined up , i decided to finish the hook keeper and the decal areas. i mixed up a small batch of epoxy to see how it worked and how it behaved. i figured that these areas would be easiest to redo if i had to. i mixed a small batch of epoxy.

the garnet turned translucent, which is what i wanted. however, the trim bands' tags show through! i did not consider how translucent the thread would be when i wrapped the guides. at first glance, you do not really see the trim tag under the thread, but looking closely at the wrap, you can pick it out and know what it is.

so, now i am a torn on what to do. do i live with what i expect will be the tag ends of the metallic showing through the traslucent garnet thread or re-wrap at least the trim bands in a manner that will not show through. thing is, what is that method?

what do you do with metallic trims and translucent thread wraps?

dennis

Nail not would be the only method that I know of to not have tag ends show under the wrap. Use a toothpick or straight pin to put a dab of CP on the nail knot tags and let them dry and trim tag ends off with a pair of cuticle clippers

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!!

I don't think that the metallic trim tags detract all that much from the wraps as long as they are neat, same length (3or4 turns), at a 90 degree angle, and the start and end points line up.

Also keep them on the side of the rod not seen while in the fishing position.Rod builders are the only one who look at the non-business side of a rod to critique others work and get an idea where they can improve or offer advise.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Dennis, if you complete the trim bands separate from the other wrap (don't catch in your metallic under the garnet), you can usually get them down to 3 or 4 wraps if you are careful. When you pull your tag end under to complete the wrap, it is only under the metallic thread and cannot be seen. Tape your pull loop to the blank so your first wrap is over it. These wraps are very fragile, though, so a small dab of CP only on the last wrap of metallic thread can help hold in place. Or, if you catch in your metallic thread under the garnet, you only need it under 2 or 3 wraps. When you finish the main wrap, place your pull loop for the trim, wrap 2 - 3 turns of metallic, and only pull the tag under the metallic thread. You then only have your catch in thread visible under the garnet, while the tag end is under only the metallic wrap. That's probably clear as mud. I also believe neat trim tags are not a detractor, but I put mine opposite the guides, because when people look at the wraps, they always look at a guide.

Regards
Bill