So far I have made 5 rods and had no problem. My 6th rod the epoxy did not cure hard. It has been two months and I stil can leave my nail inprint in it. I mixed it the same as the others and the only thing that I have used is Flex Coat.

JC

Guess what? You didn't mix it the same as the others ... you only thought you did.

Something was off - ratio and/or mixing time. Scuff it, mix another batch carefully and apply a thin "finish" coat.

What type of finish were you using? One thing to remember is if you get to much hardner in the mix it well never set up. Where as if you get to much resin it well set up to fast. I am not sure if scuffing is a good idea sence the finish is still soft. You may find instead of sanding it may peal away. I would try scuffing one guide foot and see if that happens. If scuffing causes the finish to peal. just mix up a a new batch and put a thin new coat over the wraps. On the other hand if you can lightly scuff and get no pealing by all means scuff the rest and then put a thin coat of finish on the wraps.
Good Wraps Bob PS this has happened to all of us at one time or another

All of the above suggestions are good and will solve the problem you are having. I would also say that this happens to most all rod builders at some time, even at Flex Coat.

The official word from Flex Coat is we feel 98% accurate in saying that a tacky finish is caused first, by not thoroughly mixing the two parts, and secondly, not measuring enough of the two parts,
(we recommend a minimum of 2-3cc of each part be measured and mixed at a time). Check out our web site and the hints page on measuring and mixing FlexCoat.

Your guide wraps can be recoated with a fresh batch of epoxy and it will cure out the tacky coating too.

Thanks to all for their comments.

John Anderson
Flex Coat

john anderson just curious but how does a new coat of epoxy make the tacky coating cure? (i hope you dont think im saying you dont know what you are talking about im just interested to know how that works)

I foregot to mention, use a gray scotch Brit pad if you are going to scuff the finish. You can get the pad at any hardware store or Auto paint supplier store.
Good Wraps Bob

If the existing finish is tacky, you don't want to use Scotchbrite on it - it's not going to repel the subsequent coats in that condition so you can skip the scuffing part.

But are we talking tacky, or just a little soft? Big difference.

.............

Thanks Tom for reaffirming my first suggestion
Good Wraps Bob

This happened to me recently (I take no responsibility for it, it just happened to me! Ha Ha) and I ended up just stripping it all off and starting over because I really didn't like the thought of all that uncured epoxy on a rod. Denatured alcohol took it right off, then I razor bladed the wraps over the guide feet to remove the thread. Careful: the alcohol may soften the painted finish of the blank.

Greg