I've got my first rod in about 20 years ready to glue the wraps. I've turned the burl cork tennessee handle using a cordless drill, the guides are all wrapped and prepped with CP, and now I'm ready to glue the wraps. My problem is I don't have a motor to turn the rod so if I turn it by hand how long do you think I have to turn it before the glue will be set up well enough for me to leave it alone? I'm planning on using Flexcoat. Would several very thin coats be better or should I try a thicker coat and just spend one afternoon sitting there turning it by hand?

Thanks,
Che

Last night I glued up my first rod ever, and I had to hand roll it.

I rolled it for 2 hours and by then the epoxy had begun to set up
so i left it alone for the night.

this morning the finish was nice and smooth
but i will be investing in a drying motor very soon haha

Andrew
Port Orchard, WA
The Pacific Northwest

I've never used any sort of mechanized device for rotating my custom rods while finishing them. Once you've applied the finish, turn the rod 180 degrees as often as needed. Early on, that may be every couple of minutes. Shortly, it'll become every 5 minutes, then every 10 minutes, etc. Generally, most of the epoxy finishes (not really "glues") that we use will set within 2-1/2 hours at room temperature.

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

Thanks for the advice. It's reassuring to know how much time I'll likely be in for before putting the epoxy on the rod.
Thanks again,
Che

Here is a great article from the library. [www.rodbuilding.org]

Also, remember when applying to long sections such as decals, make lengthwise strokes with your brush without the rod turning for a smoother finish.

Che,
If you would like a dryer motor you can use an old microwave or grill motor that turns at a speed of 5-10 rpm.
Simply tape the rod handle to the motor shaft , tape the motor to a block of wood, and put the rod in a wood v block and you have a very simple and easy to make dryer.
With the tape connections, you do want to keep an eye on things to be sure that the tape does not work loose during an overnight drying session.

Obviously, you can make and or have a much fancier and easier to use dryer if you place a chuck on the end of the motor shaft and make a permenant mount for the motor.


Roger