Hello,

Just started tying some diamonds and chevron wraps as a beginner. Things are coming along nicely, still getting used to packing tighter and thread spacing.

My question is about adding the caps or tie offs to the weaves you guys do. I've been capping my wraps with size A thread and find that the wraps give the caps a 3-D look to them as the wrap underneath is bumpy. I can get the thread tight with no gaps but it still has that bumpy look to it.

I'm also interested in how you keep inlays on these caps straight since the wrap underneath kinda wobbles the straight lines of the inlay.

Anyone one have a tutorial online? I've done all my learning via experimentation and online and never had the chance to sit with someone and see first hand how this stuff is done.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Make the tie-off (what you call a "cap") a double layer. Wrap away and then back toward the wrap, adding any inlays on the top layer. This will create a smoother wrap and once finish is applied no one will ever know it is two layers deep.

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Thank you Tom!

So your still using size A for the caps?

You can. But if you want to try D for your tie-offs it won't be noticeable unless we're talking about a very small diameter rod.

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

Gotcha!

Thanks again Tom.

I'm nervous to ask questions here sometimes..... Humble beginner around a bunch of great artists. I appreciate your valuable feedback!

Just the way I do this.........

1/ Wrap over the end of the design tightly (5-10 wraps). 2/ Apply color preserver to the exposed threads (beyond the terminal point of the decorative wrap). 3/ Carefully trim away ("fray") the unneeded threads on an angle away from the tie off wraps & spread them out (to eliminate the high cross-over "bumps" 4/ Complete the tie off wrap to the end and double back with a second layer (as Tom previously posted).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/25/2011 03:19PM by Ken Preston.

No reason to be nervous around here - this is one of a very few rod building forums, or any public forum for that matter, where you won't be "flamed." It's not allowed here so ask away.

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Ken,

Is #2 used to help keep the threads in place so they dont move while turning, #3 also to help in this process?

Adam,

If you post the city you live in or near, you may find a rod builder in your area.

Good luck and ask away. Every one here is here to help.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Try this for some ideas:
[visualweave.com]

Regards
Dave

read what David gave you. it is a good way to put the ends on your wraps Thanks to Billy V.
Another trick is to CP the wrap before you add the end wraps. This holds the thread together and gives a base fore the end caps .

Bill - willierods.com

Adam -
Yes, #2 helps secure the threads so they don't pull out of alignment and #3 will then help eliminate the "bumps" you noticed in the wraps.

Awesome!

Thank you guys again. Nothing like laying down a good wrap and having the caps look shotty.

I'm in Northern California - San Jose.

Havent found too many rod builders up here nor any shops that cater to the rod builder. Fishermans warehouse has thread and misc. parts but it's like an afterthought compared to all their other stuff. California Fly Shop has some great fly tying material as well.

[www.kensfishingrods.com]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Acid Rod
Good service Low shipping ratews

Bill - willierods.com

Adam, I'm about an hour from you in Discovery Bay. Big void left when The Rod Rack closed up in Hayward. Rumors of a new shop opening soon in Martinez. I know there is some interest in networking amongst some rod builders in the area. Might be something to pursue.

Some good links provided to you there, especially the one from Dave. I do the CP trick sometimes as well. Nothing worse than putting 6-8 hrs in a complex closed wrap and have some threads try to pull loose on the tie-off. Get 4 or 5 threads wound using good tension, use some tape behind you just in case those come loose. Take your time and you'll be fine.

x2 on the Acid Rod rec as well.

Adam,

I know another rod builder in San Jose and I'm in Sacramento. Send me your email address and I can you up someone close to you.
rcadams1957@msn.com

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Thank you everyone for the information. I've really looked at the links provided and the step by step posted by Dave was great to see. I like the combing of the frayed ends to get them to sit flat and using tape to back the hold threads. All really good tips!

Ray I emailed you my email addy.


Thanks again guys!

Heres my first attempt -

[www.rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/2011 01:15PM by Adam Curtis.