I just finished my first fly rod. Used standard snake guides, my next build I have SF guides,
Is it best to use glue stick for attaching to blank prior to wrapping ? I see flex coat has a flexible low melt point for this application ?
what methods are suggested to hold in place for wrapping ?
thanks Eric

I find the glue application raises the guide foot off the rod and makes it even more difficult to start the climb up the foot.

I use small pieces of surgical tubing cut into narrow rings. By using various sizes I am able to get a good snug setting with the bonus of being able to reposition the guides during the wrapping process. Others use narrow strips of masking tape.

I use rubber bands -- - work fine - - - - even for static tests - - - -
I have 4 marjorine containers ; each with a differen size -- - the loose end of the
rubber band is kept out of the way with a wire tie -- - - -...................

jocko

I use the Flexcoat adhesive.

Allows me to get all my guides set and then just wrap. I don't have to worry about aligning them or taking tape or rubber bands off. I can wrap and only wrap.

Obviously this is a personal preference type of issue.

Used properly...your guide won't be raised up off the blank...won't stick thru your wraps...squeeze out everywhere and leave a mess...



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

Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

i have used rubber bands, masking tape, surgical tubing, slices of foam ear plugs, and even bread wrapper ties. i always do file or grind the ends of guides to allow the thread to climb onto the foot easier.

I never use guide glue!! It makes adjusting guides much harder

Good Wraps Bob

I use small dental "elastics" (the rubber bands used to keep braces tight), particularly the non-latex variety as they are ultra clean.

I get mine from here:
[jawproducts.authsecure.com]

For fly rods I use the HEAVY 1/8" size, and double them over for the smallest part of the tip section.


Walt

Eric,
I have used 1/8th inch wide painters masking tape for years.
It is inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to adjust or change.
Roger

I got some edging tape from a hobby shop for taping off detail work. It is about 1/8th of an inch and a bit stretchy so it works well on the narrow fly blanks.