I'm just starting a closed wrap and I am having some problems keeping the thread packed. i've only got about 4 passes on the rod but it doesn't seem to want to pack very well. Will it start to pack better when I have put more passes on it?

May be that you are wrapping too tightly.

Every time you cross the center, the thread will want to separate at that point. To some extent, you can handle this better once you've got more thread on it.

One thing to keep in mind, elongated wraps will make packing more difficult. Compressed wraps will be easier to pack.

Finally, any time you can wrap more than one thread per pass, do so. The end result will be much easier to pack and will look just as good.

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I think I may have figured out one thing that I was doing wrong. I wrapped all of my threads to the right and then all of the return threads instead of alternating. I've been alternating on the last two passes and things seem to be snugging up much better.

Ellis, I don't think that I'm getting the threads too tight since I am wrapping single strands with my hands but I will try and adjust to see if a little looser wrap will help.

Thanks Tom. Now that I have a couple more passes things are starting to snug up a little easier. I will try the two thread wrap but I'm not sure my fat little fingers can do it with out themn crossing over each other.

Well, one thing is for sure. I certainly have a much greater appreciation for what I've seen others accomplish with their thread wraps. This takes FOREVER! I've put about 15 hours in and I've only gotten my first 6 passes on. I was hoping to use this rod on a trip I have scheduled in May but now I'm not sure I'll be done.

[visualweave.com]

What I do is get as many threads on teh blank as possible before I pack. Dont' worry about being perfect, just get them on the blank, and pack them later. You will NEVER EVER get threads to lay down perfectly, you will always have to pack. NO need ot pack after every pass, usually wait 4 passes to pack. YOu can can 4 passes with no problem at one time, why pack it 4 times? All that matters is the final product, dont' worry if the threads aren't being laid down perfectly while wrapping, you'll fix them later.

Ok, thanks Billy. I think I'm being a little too obsessive.

I just updated the website that Billy referred to above so that the images now show up (they were missing).

Regards
Dave