I am going to be using ProWrap D NCP thread for my underwrap under the guides and then Same thing for my overwrap over the guide feet. Do i need to epoxy the underwrap first or can i just do it in one coat when i am done with the wrap?

Kevin Gross
Many men will spend their whole life wondering if they made a difference. Marines dont have that problem - Ronald Regan

Kevin,
It is really your choice. There is really not much difference in the overall weight, the overall strength, or the overall appearance of the rod, whether you do the finish on the underwrap first or all in one. Some folks like to do the finish first, because they feel that they get a better finish, or an easier overwrap. But it is really up to you to do the thing that works best for your particular building style.

Roger

Think about using A thread for your underwrap. Underwraps are not generally needed and when used, you want to the lightest thread possible. This will reduce weight and allow you to make your overwrap that much easier. A thin coat of epoxy on the underwap prior to overwrapping will do the same thing.

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

As Tom said use A thread. If no finish is applied first the thread on the overwrap will go in between the threads in the underwrap making it impossible to pack it. If the bottom thread is smaler and packed tightly this will not happen.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

For what it's worth, I use Madiera for nearly all guides. I like the colors and larger sizes aren't an option. I never use any finish until the entire rod is complete. I always do one guide wrap at at time. I'm just a hobby builder though. I don't have all the different matching color thread sizes. If I did, I'd use a larger size thread for the overwrap. You'll get better results if you take the time to do it as the folks above indicate, but I've found if I put more tension on the underwrap, it seems to stretch it enough (decreasing diameter) to allow me to pack the overwrap tightly. One trick I've found with Madiera is to mark the blank where the guide overwrap starts and stops so I know where to apply more tension. The blank color shows through when tightly packed (especially on lighter colors). Works pretty well for me. Larger size guides are more problematic when using size A thread. Pre-finishing the underwrap would definitely help.

I always use "A" for my underwraps and have never found it to be necessary to apply any finish to it. I rarely use size "D" for my overwraps, as I still have a fairly ample supply of "C" left, but when that subsides, my overwraps will be done with "A". I just don't like the appearence of the size "D" thread, but thats just on of my quirks.

Ron Weber

I thought that also. But after using some in D - over - if thin coats are used at least two they don't look bad at all.

Bill - willierods.com