So as you guys know when you wrap a large double footed spinning guide (or any) on a rod, you end up with that little open cave at where the thread wrap ends on the guide foot. How do you deal with it? I am using titanium framed fuji double footed spinning guides on this rod. Thanks.

The tunnels have to be filled with epoxy tp prevent moisture from getting under the wrap.

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!!

"The tunnels have to be filled with epoxy"

you mean thread finish, right?

eric
fresno, ca.

Yes, thread finish. I fill the whole area with epoxy. (thread finish) gives a cleaner look, smoother finished look. JMO.

I meant finish!!

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!!

How do you get the finish down there while the rod is rotating? Do you use a toothpick or something? Does it take more than one application to get the tunnel filled up? Thanks

I hold the rod tip slightly up and use a toothpick or neddle to put the finish into the tunnels. Turning the rod is not an issue because I hand turn for the first hour anyway.

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!!

If you start at the tip of the guide foot and apply finish liberally, and slowly work your way toward the ring (open end), the finish will get in their on its own and force the air out. Don't attempt to fill the gap at the end until all the air is out. Most times, if you apply liberally, you won't need to fill the gap at the end, it will have filled for you.

You can always wick off excess after the tunnel is filled.

sorry mike, i like to clarify things here, especially for newcomers who might find this thread later in the future through a search and may not know the difference between 'epoxy" and thread finish. a lot of people use the term 'epoxy" for thread finish and it can be confusing if you don't know the difference. i know i was confused a couple of years ago especialy sincei had no experience with either in any way.

as for filling in that "tunnel" do most fill it in (say, with a toothpick or needle) first then go back and finish the entire wraps, or do you do the wraps first then go back and and touch up filling in the tunnels?

i use flex coat lite without color preserver and for some reason, i changed my approach after reading other's reports and filled in the tunnels first on two recent rods. after going back and doing the rest of the wraps, i found that splotching occurs once the thread finish is dry. the splotching marks exactly where the first detailed application for the tunnels took place. with the last rod, i went back to my original practice of doing the entire wrap first, then going back and using a pin, applying finish to close off the tunnel's opening. i'm thinking thread finish from the first main coat would have seeped into the thread tunnel for the most part. these are small stream fly rods, 3, 4 and 5wt and i apply finish without serious delay. any tips, thoughts, ideas or constructive criticism?

as for getting the finish "down there" i stop my 6 rpm turner from turning by shutting it off to do the detail work around the feet as outlined above. my left hand will turn the chuck as needed while aplpying with the right hand.

i didn't mean to hijack your thread jason, sorry about that.

eric
fresno, ca.

Eric, I agree. I've also been confused by the use of the term "epoxy) I try to remember to say finish. I usually fill the tunnel first but I also use CP so finis isn't going to penetrate from the top anyway. Maybe that's why I haven't had the "blotch" problem??

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!!

Thanks guys, finish it is.