On my saltwater fly rods I've always applied the finish on the butt so that it only covers the threads that are next to the winding check but no finish on the rubber piece itself, however looking at my store bought spin rods, it looks like the finish goes past the threads up on to the rubber. Is there a preferred method? Thanks again?

It's really personal preference. I like to finish over the rubber WC because they seem to last a lot longer, as they will break down over time. The one thing I noticed is that the American Tackley style that have a chalky finish on them need to be cleaned with alcohol, or the finish may not want to take to it. Have not had that problem with the shiney finished Pac Bay type.

I think the American Tackle ones look nice with finish over them because the have a larger ramp to them.

Just my $.02.

Marc

Marc is right, it really is personal preference. I think it looks better with finish over the winding check, and it would protect the rubber from aging and cracking. American Tackle is now offering both styles, our traditional style and a thinner profile check with a very shiny finish. We do recommend cleaning the rubber checks before applying though, just in case there is some dirt or foreign particles on them. Look for all of our winding checks in our catalog due in July!

Chase Foster
American Tackle
www.americantackle.us

Thanks.

Yes, sometimes. Visualize what it'll look like, or better yet, look at the photos on this BBS for some of these. Even better, look at some of the covers or centerfolds in RodMaker. If it fits the style of the rod you're building, do it.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Here's an idea - throw out the cheesy rubber winding check altogether :-) Use your imagination and/or look at the photo pages - there are a bunch of great ideas for winding checks. Everything from turned wood and corian to toe rings, etc. I frequently make them out of silver chain - I tack one end of the chain at the grip/blank junction with 5 minute epoxy, after it cures, I wrap the chain around, locate the link that just completes one revolution around the blank, and cut the chain there. Then, I tack it in several more spots around the blank with 5 minute epoxy. If you take your time and cut carefully and place the chain carefully, you can't even see the joint. Then, when I finish the rod, I build up epoxy in that area to cover the chain and very top of the grip. Looks sharp and separates your rod from something sold anywhere else :-)

I agree with throwing out the rubber winding checks. I like to ramp up some thread and apply a couple of coats of finish over that. It just looks more appealing to me.