Gentlemen,
I have come upon a reoccuring problem of my finish creeping into the roller guides and mucking up the works. I've had the last bunch of offshore rods with these guides get stuck up with finish to varying degrees. Since changing over to the finer viscosity LS Supreme, from the high build "Classic Coat" & "Flex Coat finishes, I have also changed my application technique from brush to spatula, I've had increasing problems.
Is there something I can do? Is it the combination of thinner finish and hi-speed application? I have had one or two guides stick before, but the last couple of times, paying much more attention to details I managed a grand slam!
Finish ended up not only between the roller and frame but also in the screws, bushing and the interior of the roller itself!
Your wisdom is much appreciated and thank you in advance!
Jim

Sounds like you are putting way too much finish on, especially with LS Supreme.

Try putting two lighter coats on instead of one. I finally determined that this is what has to be done when using anything other than 'A' thread.

Mike,
I actually put on 3 coats just because LS is so thin. But I could probably go thinner . . .
I also use a combination "A" then "C" or "D" in triple wrapping the HD roller guides.
Thanks for the comments!

You may want to try these 2 methods. #1 try putting a little vasoline on the rollers. Becareful and do not get it on your wrap. #2 Use a ciggarett lighter and warm the rollers and then pick off the finish

I used to just remove the rollers. Once you get a new protocol in place you can go back to finishing with the rollers in.

Great ideas! Never thought of greasing up the rollers or even taking them out!
I tried using just the 32 rpm finishing motor istead of applying at speed on my lathe. Took twice as long but no visible creep of finish.
Jim

Jim,

I am sure that applying the finish, or even drying it, at higher speeds will tend to "sling" the finish up the roller guide frames and into and around the rollers.

It's a pain to remove the rollers and then have to reinstall them, but after having the same problems as you (and with finishes other than the Supreme) I decided long ago that roller removal was the best solution in the long run.

If someone comes up with a better idea I hope they will share it here.

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

Just now trying out my first roller guide setup, but wouldn't it be possible to place a thin layer of tape up the length of the roller guide prior to the rollers to prevent the finish from traveling past a certain distance, I would think a small ridge of tape would prevent the creep and then it would be removable leaving and edge where the tape was applied?? Maybe I will give it a try on my rod this week. If anyone tries this or sees a flaw here give me a shout.

Thanks,

I cant see the problem in removing the roller its self then trying to do every thing else. It takes more time and stuffing around than its worth. For starters if you are experiencing this then the RPM off your drying rack is to high as tom said it gets forced out and up the frame. Take a bucket of water if you stand in one place and spin it around, the water will be forced to the outside. Slow it all down and the problem will go away. Dont ever put vasoline any where near your rod while coating or even before.

Stuart Mackenzie
Australia

Never ever grease anything on a rod or get a rod near grease. I missed that in Karen's post.

You need to get into the habit of cleaning ALL guides (feet and and body) with alcohol before you get them near a rod. This is especially true with rollers.

Clean the blank and reelseats (especially metal and unibutts) with alcohol before you start wrapping.

Clean your fingers with alcohol also before you start wrapping.

Anything you can do to keep grease away from your work will save you a pain in the arse.