Is it best to go a little past the edge of the thread wraps when applying finish? I've gotten in the habit of covering only the wraps. I use permagloss, but this could apply to other finishes as well. It looks good, but I'm wondering if this leaves the finish too thin at the edges to protect the thread. This could explain some fraying I noticed on a recently completed rod...

I for one, always take my epoxy "over the edge". On heavy, off-shore rods, i go over probably 1/8" onto the blank past the thread. Less on lighter, more sensitive rods. On a fly rod for example, i'll run it on to the blank just enough that when it's dry, you could run your fingernail up the blank and over the wrap without feeling a pronounced edge to the wrap.

I've got friends and customers that DON'T spill over onto the blank, but instead stop right at the threads edge. One that comes to mind was a Permagloss devotee too. I just like the piece of mind of having that edge sealed and protected.

Mark Griffin
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C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Perma Gloss needs an edge finish coating - must go to blank to resist abrasion form sliding in and out of rodlockers on bass boats - take a pretty hard knock on an edge when pulling rods

I build mainly fresh water spinning, casting, and fly rods. In that case, I'm a "less is better" fan, when it comes to applying finish, and I do everything I can to keep the finish from overlapping to the blank. Taking into account to make sure the finish is smooth. But I'm not indifferent to builders who like to finish the wraps so thinly that you can feel each wrap.

How does a thin finish provide any less protection than a thickly-applied finish, all else being equal? If the thread is sealed, then it stands to reason that it should be impervious to water, regardless of how thick the finish is; which is what the finish is supposed to do. Besides, keeping the finish just on the wraps makes it far easier if a rebuild ever occurs.

Bill, if the finish is abraded, don't you think the constant abrading will eventually wear out a second or third coat of finish, regardless of where the finish ends? Is that truly the standard to use when determining if finish should remain only on the wrap, or overlap to the blank?

I'm pretty rough with my rods, even with my vintage GLoomis (pre-pre-Shimano). Just sitting in the rod racks on my boat going up and down the rivers, getting banged about by rough water, can create wear on the finish. Consequently, every winter, in preparation for hard-core rod building, I'll lightly sand and refinish the wraps on a rod or two in my "collection".



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2009 08:17PM by Patrick Vernacchio.

Personally, I think that over the edge is good protection to avoid water "creeping" under the edge of the thread. I have seen this happen pretty often. If finish doesn't go on to the blank enought to ensure a good seal, the flexing of a rod CAN cause the edge to pull away and allow moisture to get in and cause problems. Not saying that it will but it can. Ounce of prvention........................

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Listen to mike he has it nailed. water can and will get under threads and with the finish onto the blank with a clean edge is best to stop this

Bill - willierods.com

I have to agree with Mike above, most of the rods I build see saltwater use, so I make every possible effort to seal both the threads and guides as well as possible. I've seen some rods come in for repair that appear to have been completely coated with finish, tip to handle.