I have this problem with elongated closed cross wraps on small diameter blanks when I apply CP the threads puff up on me. I can't seem to be able to wrap as tightly as I would like and hold the threads in there position. I was thinking of maybe adding a dab of CP during the wrap but that would inhibit the ability to move and pack threads as needed. What advise do you have to offer?

Thanks,
Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh

Are you Burnishing heavily before adding the CP?Are you getting gaps when you apply the CP? just trying to make sure I understand the question

The absolute safest way to do it is CP before you tie it off. This wont really allow the threads to move after the fact, but it's also a pain to get a flat thread tie off with this method.

This is the way I personally do it, and is by no means the only way. I do tie off my wraps before doing CP, so I know where you are coming from. The basic problem ends up being "slippery when wet" scenario. Below is my method following tying the wrap off.

1) Burnish any gaps well.
2) CP centers points and let dry (this is almost optional as I've done it both ways, but often do it just to be on the safer side as I don't really like redoing dec wraps)
3) Then CP the entire wrap EXCEPT the tie off areas. The dry thread under the tie offs will still hold when the wrap wants to slip. Let that dry completely.
4) Following that do a final coat of CP the entire decorative wrap.
5) Repeat (4) if you feel its necessary (I generally do not, but it shouldnt hurt anything).

You shouldn't have any issues with that method. I've had several issues with tying off doing a CP coat on the entire wrap and creak and slip it goes (not fun). I personally wrap very tight on my decorative wraps, so they all want to slip, but the above process has basically solved any problems I ever had.

Where are you having a problem, in front of teh foregrip, or at teh tip section of the wrap? If you are wrapping off the foregrip, that might be one problem. IF when you tie off, you hear or see the entire tie off slip towards the center of the pattern, there is a fix for that too. IF it's only when you put hte CP on, there's a fix for that. GIve a little more info.

What Sean posted is solid advice.

When you lose tension and the thread puff - what do you do, and what is the finished result? What CP and what type of thread. I'm thinking as I type, you are not alone with this, it happens to me more frequently than I talkabout, I just don't worry about it becuase once epoxy covers the wrap it is impossible to tell. Obviously depends on teh amount of puff the pattern gets.

Guys I normally tie off and then apply U-40 color lock 2 to the entire wrap. The problem shows up with the long lengths of closing threads between the crosses which are pretty much anchored, yes I do pack and burnish before applying CP. Everything looks good until CP goes on and then the threads just want to puff up and look a little wavy. My best guess is the wrap is not tight enough but I can't seem to wrap any tighter without the pattern wanting to move to much. Maybe I should just buy a ticket and fly out east and get a personal lesson. HaHa

Thanks for the advice!
Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh

I found that scuffing the blank with a Scotch-Brite pad under the wrap gives it a little more hold.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Jeff, what happens when ou apply the CP is the threads "soak" it up or "absorb it (I used quotes so no chemist tells me teh thread doesn't absorb the liquid, everyone but them get what I'm saying). Onc saturated, teh threads tend to move around. On a elongated with a great distance between locking points, the threads always seem to puff up - only the last pattern though. The less the tension used, the more they will puff. Even if you wrapped tight, when you pack the tight threads in to teh middle of the pattern, you sometimes notice the threads you lat down first will lose tension, even when you laid them down tightly.SO it mightnot be anythign you are doing wrong, it's just somethign that is going to happen which you have to find a remedy for.

Sean's advice on CPing everything before tying off might work. I persoanlly do not like doing that because teh tie off is hard to get smooth. HEre's a trick I learned butnever used, I believe PAt Barnard used it on his weaves, maybe BD Ehler as well - not sure who to give teh credit to but I think it's one of those two gentlemen. Do an open wrap of fine mono, 2 or 4 pound test. YOu couldprobably use regular thread too. Put the CP on, when it's almost dry, peelteh mono/thread off. Apply another coat after the first one dries. From what they told me way back, this will prevent the thread from puffing and moving around on you. I never tried it myself, but I'm prety sure it will work. TEST IT FIRST though.

If that works, send me a voucher for beer for the value of that flight I just saved you from taking, lol.

Thanks so much for the advice gentlemen I will put it to the test. Billy, I think I would rather spend the money on the flight and crack open a beer with you, my treat of course. Tight wraps.

Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh