Is 4.8rpm too slow for a drying motor?

A friend let me use a rod table he had that has a 4.8rpm drying motor, and I seem to think it is a bit too slow. I thought 9rpm was the 'norm'.

Any opinions?

Thanks
Shawn

I use a 3/4 and love it! I have speeds up to 40 but always either hand turn or us the 3/4 motors

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!!

When it comes to dryers, there is no "norm", some like a little faster, some like a lot faster, mine is a converted BBQ motor that turns 5 RPM and I get perfect results every time.

Good deal, I'll give it a shot then.

I've read a few posts/articles saying that a faster motor is better for applying, but the slow speed works great for drying.

It seems that a lot of it is preference. We'll see which I prefer.

Thanks for the input.

SQ

Hello Shawn,
I have always preferred a slower motor for drying, because, for me, it becomes easier to apply the finish at the slower speed. Like the other guys have stated, it really is all preference.

Chase Foster
American Tackle

A couple of my driers only ratate at 3rpm. And I also get good results

I have also found that you use the motor while applying the epoxy, once you have all the butt wrap, guides, epoxied then turn the motor off and hand dry. I have found that hand turning the rod, and wicking off the drips, will provide a more even result on your finish. Careful not to touch the wraps when wicking off the drips, as this will result in bare threads. Hand turn 180 degrees then wick off the drips, repeat this for 20-30 mins. Then turn the motor back on and dry. DON'T TOUCH until its completely dry!!!!! (Picked this up in Ralph's seminar. Works for me)

Brad Hetzel

Brad, I've tried this with mixed success. Once it came out remarkably smooth and flat, one of my best efforts ever. One other time, though, I ended up with small ridges or waves on the sides--in other words, the top and bottom of the wrap (a buttwrap in my case) came out perfectly flat, but on the sides (the 90 degree and 270 degree) were wavy. It seemed that the finish started dripping down on its final pass but didn't get down all the way, if you knowwhat I mean. Any idea what I did wrong?

I'm thinking about trying it again, with a slight variation. That is, start it facing up as usual, let it run to the bottom, wick it,then let it run to the top, wick it, and then do the same thing at 90 and 270. Ever try that? I'll admit that the time it worked, it was the smoothest finish I've ever managed, since a brush never touched it. It was like glass. Some of the artisans on this board seem to get that effect every time, but it's hit or miss with me. Oh well, I have learned to strive for great, but not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. It's all about fun for me, and I'm having plenty.
Charles Horan

I get nice results with both 4 and 6 rpm. Anything more than 12 and I've had trouble, at least in terms of drying (I apply finish at ~50rpm).

Scott Kinney
The Longest Cast Fly Rods
[www.thelongestcast.com]