Ok, now that I've got my first rod done I've noticed that some of my wraps have come loose around the ends. What causes this? Is it just a matter of too little tension? Because they all looked tight before I put my epoxy on. Just wondering. Thanks for the help guys.

~Jon

There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind

Not using enough tension.

Not making enough wraps over the starting tag end.

Not putting your tie-off loop in early enough.

Any or all of the above.

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

Maybe if you described your wrapping process it would help us help you see where the problem is.

Les

I start by wrapping the thread over the blank twice, then I cross the thread over itself and rotate the blank until it crosses itself again. Then I complete 5 or 6 wraps over the tag end before I cut it. I put my tie off loop in about 5 or 6 wraps before I'm done. There were a few times when my tie off loop broke off before I got the tag end through....bet that was my problem. what do you guys use for your tie off loop?

~Jon

There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind

i use 20 lb. fireline

10# Power Pro, I just carry a small thread spool to the local tackle shop and get fifty feet or so. lasts a long time making loops

Double Post! Sorry



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/27/2008 09:09AM by Barry Thomas Sr.

Jon,
I have found that "fiddling" with the wrap (packing the wraps, aligning the guides) tends to loosen things up. I leave my tags in place until I have everything where I want it. That way I can pull on the tags to tighten things, once I have everything in order. After I cut the tags, I put a coat of Color Preserver on the wraps to hold them together. I do one final test casting session, and check the static distribution again. If everything still looks good, I will add the 2nd coat of CP, and apply my finish (after the CP dries, of course). On the other hand, if I need to change a guide placement, it is very easy to cut through thread with a single coat of CP.
George

If you are braking some of your tag ends off while pulling through, then you are most likely using too much tension. You are probably correct with your thought of it being the broken ones that have come loose

Jon,
I just sent you an email about some Power Pro in 10 lb. If anyone else is interested, I'll send you 4 or 5 yards of PP 10 lb yellow if you email me you address. I got it for super cheap and will share with others because of all those that have "shared" so much with me.

Robert

Also, I was wondering how do you guys keep your epoxy even on the top and bottom of the wraps? Do you tape them off to get them straight, or just free hand them?

~Jon

There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind

Jon, to get an even line above and below the wraps you first have to have a steady hand. Rest your hand on something that will allow you to hold the brush or application tool comfortably at rod level. While applying the finish, turn the rod while holding your application hand still. This will lay the finish evenly around the rod for a nice clean line.

Jon,
One thing that really helps a lot to have straight edges, is to use high speed when applying finish. If you get the rod spinning nicely at 15-50 rpm, it is trivial to make very straight edges. Also, the idea of resting your hand on a steady rest, or your other hand is also excellent advice.


Take care
Roger