I'm just finished building my first epoxy ramp. Used 5 min. epoxy & it came out pretty nice. The ramp is going to be built on a grouper rod so it is a little steep. My problem is when I wrap it with thread ( A - ncp), the thread wants to fall back over itself going up the steeper part of the ramp. Is there a trick to getting the thread to stay in place. Also, whats the best method for tying off.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike

What I usually do is to keep tension tight enough so that the thread just slides down into place instead of wrapping it right against the previos turn. If the wrap is fairly steep, wrap a little ways and apply CP, let dry and do some more.. I don't tie off, When I get to the top, I just tape the thread end on the reel seat out of the way and apply finish. When the finish drie, just cut off the tag end with a rasor blade. If the ramp is to steep to wrap you can color some finish and put on the wrap to match thread or even marble it.

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!!

I've wrapped super steep ramps without too mush effort. Loosen the tension WAY up and use the tricks Mike outlined and you'll do fine. I never used CP to hold thread in place, but I have used a tiny drop of super glue.

DR

I'll use pigments to make the ramp epoxy color match what I want. Then I can wrap part way up the ramp and it'll look very nice with a clear coat over the whole kaboodle.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Here's one where I used DR's method of securing the thread with tiny drops of super glue applied with a needle. The super glue won't mess too much with the metallics but too big of a drop will create a discoloration in regular nylon.
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Mike, I just posted a couple pics of a simple, effective method I have evolved to.

I wrap up epoxy ramps when the epoxy is still tacky. This help hold the thread in place. A tiny drop of super glue hold the end in place.

Thanks again everyone. I'll do some more practice & see if I can get it right.

Mike

Mike,

You may also try wrapping from the grip down the ramp. This way your wrapping against the taper and the thread gets tighter as you pack. I may be wrong, but it's just a suggestion.

Bill in WV