Hello,

I'm building a #9 flyrod and I'm about to install the metal winding check. I asked the shop where I ordered my things to size the winding check for me but it's internal diameter is a bit too big (about 1-1.5 mm). That is, I don't think a wrap above it will hold it in place before finishing it. Is this a problem and should I order a new one? If not, how can I best solve this, glue it in place with a drop of epoxy? Make a small wrap underneath and then glue it in place with epoxy?

Thanks for your help!

Cheers

Eric

Eric, if the winding check will not look out of place against the grip due to the oversize you can wrap the blank with thread to build up sufficiently to glue the check in place and build up your wrap ahead, toward the tip, to blend the butt wrap into those wraps. It might take some playing with to get a nice transition, but it can be done.

I agree with Greg. If you just do a sort of underwrap just enough until the metal fits to your liking then you can glue it in place. Then just feather your butt wrap into that wrap and no one will ever know the difference!

Matt White

They are only for looks ! You could just do a short thread wrap and leave it off.

A nice fit for a winding check is pleasing to the eye. If one layer of thread won't do it - get a smaller one.
Herb

In my opinion the check you have is the perfect size. A tightly fitted metal winding check introduces the possibility of the check cutting into the blank if the rod flexes deeply. A friend had this happen, the root cause as assessed by the blank manager confirmed this. So I second or third the recommendation to use thread wraps under the winding check. This can be done tastefully.

Jeff Shafer

No way can you make-up 1.5mm with " A" thread.
Herb

Herb,
Eric will have to do some experimentation, but I don't think that 3/4mm on each side is that much to make up. It may be necessary to add two layers of thread, but I've done that a few times with no problem. On my fly rods I often use black thread wrapped back against the cork, under the nickel silver winding check. The base coat of black is then transitioned to another color 3/8" or so from the check, bridged by a ring of tinsel thread. A second wrap of black the depth of the winding check can center the winding check. I don't use color preserver so the epoxy wicks back under the winding check so you don't see the step-down from the second coat of thread. I actually like this look better because there's less risk of the epoxy lapping up over the leading edge of the winding check.

Give it a try sometime.

Jeff Shafer

Use thicker thread for a short wrap underneath it. Try C or D. Also, a small dab of 5 minute epoxy on the back of the check, as you fit it, to hold it to the grip will allow you to centre it as best you can, then it'll be held in place as it cures. Once you butt wrap up to it and apply finish, no-one will know the difference.

You need to get the right size winding check,IMO. I like to have a 'not quite snug fit' on top of one wrap of 'A' thread, two wraps at most. If you use a 100 grit reamer for your finish reaming you can get a good enough fit to put a trim ring there instead of a winding check. I believe this looks especially good on a light fly or ultra-light spinning rod.

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the great ideas, they're really helpfull!

I'm going to experiment a bit, I'll build up a wrap underneath I think two wraps will do. If it's going to take more than two layers I think I'll buy a smaller one.

Cheers,

Eric