Thanks in advance everyone. One of the posts in response to Scott's trouble with bubbles got me thinking about this. I have built a few rods for my own use, and expect o keep building more. I have settled on using Flexcoat epoxy and CP. I have a Flex Coat 18 rpm motor that I use when applying epoxy and turning rods to cure. How do you regularly get a good application of epoxy on wraps near guide feet, especailly larger guide feet which seem to push a brush or spatula blade out of the way before I get epoxy on the threads. I can fill the guide foot tunnel with epoxy using a steel bodkin, but always seem to have trouble getting a clean, application of epoxy where the thread warps, guide foot and exposed rod blank converge.

Turn the rod by hand while you're applying the finish. That allows you to stop it and dab finish into the nooks and crannies.

One word of advice, however, don't waste time on these areas on the first go around. Mix your epoxy and get it on the wraps - move on. Once all the wraps have been coated, you have plenty of time to return to each wrap and put a drop here or there to touch in any dry areas or places you missed.

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

James,
Add an off and on foot switch to your 18 rpm finish motor.
That way, when needed, stop your motor, put on the finish in the nooks and crannies, and then put the pedal to the metal again.

When done getting the finish on, put it on your slow dryer and go over each guide with a gentle source of heat to insure that everything is smooth, bubble free, and straight edges.

You will find that the addition of the foot pedal will really help your finishing efforts to make them much easier.

I do like the high speed finish motor to quickly get the finish on the guides.

Take care
Roger

p.s.
If the foot pedal that you add to your motor is momentary, you might also add a bypass switch as well to your motor.
i.e. put in a switch to leave the motor on all of the time, or in the other position enable the foot switch. A simple single pole double pole switch will take care of that.

Otherwise, a push on, push off foot pedal will do this function as well.

I prefer the momentary foot pedal though, because it gives the motor smoother and quicker stop/start action.

Take care
REW

Flex Coat slip clutch - touch stop and start

You don't need all that stuff. A quick turner for nice edges, after putting your finish on -- then stop the dryer, turn by hand, fix any boo boo's. When all looks OK, turn the motor back on. ----- Then leave it alone !!!
O ya, make sure you have good light to see what you are doing. A hand rest also helps a lot.

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/29/2008 02:36AM by bill boettcher.

Bill,
You are right.
However, half the fun is making the machines to do the job.

Take care
Roger

Thanks everyone!