I am getting ready to build a Batson 6'6" 2wt and am curious as to how much epoxy build is really needed at the guides and ferrules? Is it ok to have just enough to dampen the threads so that the texture of the threads are still fully distinguishable as in no smooth, glassy look? I am thinking of applying a modest amount of finish and then working it with a brush to remove as much as possible. Am I flirting with disaster?

Rodney

No, in fact, as long as there is some epoxy covering the threads you're okay. Do keep in mind that a smooth top covering is going to be a bit heavier and thicker and thus provides more abrasion resistance, but I doubt that most freshwater rods need the depth coating that most of us apply anyway.


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If you want something really thin that still protects the threads you could go with a few coats of permagloss instead.

I have seen many rods that were made in the first half of this century and all of them have the texture of the threads showing through. These were made years before FC (or any other rod builders epoxy was even on the market) and most of the wraps are still holding strong. I've heard of folks even fishing with just CP on their wraps that didn't have time to put epoxy on before their fishing trips with no issue.

Thin coat of Diamondite would be my choice. Nicer looking and more user friendly than PG and water clear

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!!

Rodney,

So glad you asked. I was wondering the same thing myself. I have just finished putting a second coat on a rod I’m finishing for one of my sons.

I am a complete beginner, but this is my third rod and I have done several repairs. Up to this point, when I look at the rods I have done, I feel I went a little crazy with the Flex Coat finish. Especially on a 3# fly rod I built. The last few guide coats look like little footballs. I thought the more the better…right?

But after looking at other rods (especially older ones I have, like Jeff mentioned) I too realized that not only do I like the smoother more seam like finish, but do we really need a heavy finish on the wraps? I figure that the wraps themselves do 98% of the work. Mr. Kirkman (or others) please correct me if I’m wrong. I figure the finishing coat is more to “lock” the threads in place so they won’t unwind with use and time.

I have also looked at permagloss and other alternatives, but I have the regular Flex Coat on hand. So on this one I put 2 coats of CP and 2 coats of Flex Coat finish. I have put on very little finish each time but enough to secure the threads/wraps. Must admit…the best looking finish I have done so far. It has just enough to cover the threads and they are smooth, but so thin you can hardly tell it even has a finish on it.

Here are some of the advantages I found out so far:

Less finish used.

Very smooth clean look in 2 coats (I have heard stories of 5+ coats of permagloss).

No bubbles. The first couple of rods looked good in poor indoor lighting, but once in the sun they do look like they have white sparkles mixed into the finish (again a beginner learning).

Easier on me…I still wrap from a cardboard box and don’t have any dryers or other tools to speak of. It is so thin I really don’t have to turn it. I do but only every 15-20 minutes or so. I let it sit for the first 15 minutes and never really got a drip to wick off from the bottom.

Mr. Kirkman and others, thanks for reassuring me. Of course I have not even cast this rod yet! Gotta go and give it another turning.