the thread you guys created about applying epoxy - "dump it on, let it sag, wick it off" ...

question 1 - what do you use to "wick it off"? do you use the same card you used to apply it with, or, do you use a brush, etc.?

i just finished applying epoxy to a rod & all the guides look "pregnant" ...i know, ..i didn't wick enough off... so:
question 2 - when this dries, is the best thing to just leave it like it is???

i'm assuming some of you are going to say sand it down, so:
question 3 - what should i use to sand it with? sandpaper? scotchbrite or something similar? ..would you just leave it turning to sand it, or, would it be better to just hold it & sand it between fingers? (ok, i know that was 4 questions, but, you know how novices are. LOL)

thanks
ronnie

Ronnie,

It was in my answer on the last post. Wick it off with anything you want, brush, spatula, toothpick. The key is to leave the rod alone (not moving) until the finish sags on the bottom, remove the sags and rotate 180 degrees, let sit until it sags on the bottom. Keep doing that until it no longer sags and then you can turn the dryer on. It sounds like you have way to much finish on the rod.
Whether you leave the footballs on or not is up to you, (some people like them) but if you sand them, wrap the sand paper around a popsicle stick or something flat or it won't sand level, it will just follow the lump. The best way, if you had a rod lathe would be to turn it at high speed and sand quickly and lightly. You can also sand it by hand.

Just curious - what speed is your rod turning??

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!!

mike,
thanks for the answer.

yes, i do have too much epoxy on my guides ...that's why i want to do it like you suggested ..and, i plan to on the next build!

i applied the epoxy while the dryer was turning (it turns 16rpm) ...next time, i will apply before turning dryer on.

thanks for the "popsicle stick" suggestion ...i think when the epoxy dries, i will try this & see how it works

ronnie

AS long as the rod is turning, you can't get sags because they just keep rolling around the blank as it turns, creating waves. I always hand turn for the first hour. One tip - Make sure the centerline of the rod is PERFECTLY level, otherwise the finish will "creep" and not be able to level

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!!

Ronnie,

As Mike pointed out, you want to get the excess epoxy off the wrap to prevent the "pregnant/football" effect. Just put epoxy on quickly, hand turn it periodically 180 degrees, take the sag off the bottom. Spatula(s) work well for me. Keep doing this 'til the epoxy starts to setup, then put it into some sort of rotation. Be sure the blank is leveled close to the blank's "CENTERLINE" throughout it's length while you're doing this. Prevention seems to be the best method to prevent the "pregnant" effect, unless you desire it.

Stan



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/2007 11:44PM by Stan Gregory.