I have only attempted a couple of inlays with feathers and was working on another one last night. While I was applying the CP to the feathers with a brush that I would normally
use when applying epoxy to the threads it was too course and would seperate the feathers.. Decided to try a smoother brush hair type and it worked out just fine with
no seperation of the feathers...Im sure the seasoned pros on here will add more to this, but I thought I would just share my experience with them.


Take Care
Fernando Torres-NERB in the making...

G'day Fernando,

I use a method that may be a little different and really does help in keeping the feather barbs all nicely together. I nearly always do mine on a base wrap (underwrap) to which I have applied a couple of coats of CP. Then I CP the area where I want to lay the feather/s (usually Chromaseal or U40, I tried Gudebrod but really hated it). I gently lay the feather onto the CP. The feather soaks up most of the excess CP and the individual barbs are usually undisturbed (make sure the feather is good an wet). I have a soft brush which I use to carefully brush away any excess CP. I also use my thread tool sometimes to gently push any errant feather barbs back where they belong. Usually, I'll only do 2-3 feathers at a time. I know Terry Henson uses a slightly different method but then again, his rods are works of art.

Have a good one
Mark

Nice to see ya back on the board Fernando! Thanks for the tip.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Hi Mark

Thanks for the tip, What do you mean you you state to make sure the feather is good and wet? with CP or with water?? The first time I did a feather inlay I did it with a jungle cock feather
with a regular brush and did not distrub it at all, But I'll make sure to use a saft brush and any other tools I have handy to place back any barbs that may have shifted.


Hi Raymond,

I have been on here just have not posted much since I have not been building lately and just put together three rods for a friend in Atlanta and his two sons..I wanted to make his
a little more special and did a feather inlay on the grip....Will post pics once i'm done...



Take CareGuys

Fernando Torres-NERB in the making

I guess it is all personal , I use a small nylon brush and separate the barbs in stead of having the feather look like an arrow head.

Bill - willierods.com

Fernando,

When I said wet I meant with CP. I don't use water at all. I know some people say add a certain amount of water to the CP but I don't.

Bill
Try doing it the way I have suggested and you'll find the feathers lay beautifully and the barbs are clearly defined. I don't like the "arrowhead" look either. It doesn't look natural.


Regards
Mark

Hi Mark

Thanks for the clarification, I normally do make sure the feathers are nice and wet with CP...These came out pretty nice and I like the way it looks. I will post a pic once i'm done. These went on a cork handle, I have applied one coat of epoxy on them to seal them and should be done by Saturday...



Thanks Again
Fernando Torres-NERB in the making