My new spool of metallic thread has fuzzies coming off of it like crazy. I tied all the guides on already WITHOUT finish, hoping I can fix them after the fact. So here's my question. What's the best way to fix it; Singe them with a standard "lighter" (I don't have an alcohol burner) I'm a little worried about soot, OR apply the first coat of finish and carefully cut them off, but I don't want them to lie down in the finish either to where I can't cut them off.

Curious as to what brand of thread you are using. I switched to Sulky metallic even though the color selection leaves a little to be desired to avoid the problems you are having. In my limited experience I have not had a lot of success trying to fix after the fact. Maybe you could wrap a dowel rod and experiment on the fix first. Good luck

John
God bless the troops and USA

Your second choice is probably the safest approach. I use metallics & apply the first of finish & then cut the fuzzies off.

If useing a lighter be sure to use the side of the flame and not to put it directly under the wrap, this will help with the soot factor, and do not get to close.

The brand of metallic is from a reputable company, but unfortuantely this spool slipped by QC.

I may try and wrap a dowel with the thread and see how well I can get the fuzzies to singe with the side of the flame. If that doesn't work out too well I'll try the first coat of finish approach.

Sounds like a plan.

You have Tobe extremely careful with a flame the metalic well burn away from the Nylon core in a heart beat. I would put a coat of finish on let set 24 hours trim and re-coat. Are all the wraps like this? I use Mederia or Sulky and have not experience your extreme problem

Good Wraps Bob

Wade,
I have had one rod end up with fuzzies. I did not notice the fuzzies until I already had the guide wraps coated.
Fortunately, I was able to use a straight edged razor to scrape off the fuzzies, then a light scuff with 3m and recoat.

The rod was NEARLY as good as if it had been done correctly the first time.

In your case, if you don't have any coatings on the rod, I would cut the guides off the rod - throw away the thread that caused the fuzzies - get a new spool of thread that will not fuzz under tension and rewrap.

Although - a bit of time, the end result will be much better and you will be much happier in the long run.
Any recovery of fuzzies after the fact will result in a less than perfect job.

Be safe, happy, content and do it over.

Take care
Roger

Well, I tried the test on the dowel and singed the fuzzies, but it doesn't take them down completely. It appears that the nylon core melts into a tiny ball right next to the wrap. You have to look close to see it, but it's most certainly there.

Roger, I've thought of your approach too and that's probably the best way. But I'm running short on time to get this rod done before our trip (It's a surprise for my son on our BWCA trip June 10th). I'll have to check with the other rod builder in town and see if he has any of the same thread.

Here's a picture of one of the guides. If you look close you can see the fuzzies in question.
[www.rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/26/2009 06:21AM by Wade White.

Wade,
It is interesting in that the thread that I had the problem with was the identical color -

If you are short on production time, go ahead and give it your first coat of finish.
When the fuzzies come along - make sure that the coating is completely dry. Then, use a straight edged razor blade -scrapped at 90 degrees to the blank to scrape off the fuzzies and level the finish. then, scuff it with 3m.
Wipe down and recoat. You will be fine.

Just don't scrape or scrub too hard. You don't want to cut through your finish and start nicking the thread.

Roger

It may cost a little more you might call a sponsor and see if they have your thread and do a over night shipment. Also metalic thread was never designed for fishing rods, was designed for those who sew. You well find out also the metalic threads sold by rod suppliers is the same thread sold at sewing shops or craft stores. I get my Madera or Sulky thread at a craft store called Jo Ann's . They have a huge selection. Remember it is a must you use CP before applying finish. These type of threads have a Silicone finish, which well repel finishes. (Fish Eyes).

Good Wraps Bob

Sulky Metallic s are the BEST metallic s I have ever used.

If you flame the fuzzies, it will really help. You don't have to "cook" the thread either, just running the flame around the wraps quickly usually takes them away. Sure, there will be tiny balls of melted thread sitting on top of the wraps, these usually cover with finish very easily, or you can burnish them off most of the time if you so care to do so.

DR

DR you make a good point. Also if you see some irregularities you can add just a tad of micro glitter to the finish

Good Wraps Bob