I am trying to restore an old bamboo rod I was given. I have some moderate experience with graphite builds and feel I can give this rod an honest go.

I have spent a lot of time reading old post regarding stripping old varnish and finishing bamboo rods.

I believe I am ready to wrap guides and use a finish on the pole. I have purchased Miniwax Helmsman Spar Urethane as it was the most readily available finish suggested being used on past posts. There seems to be a strong opinion about dipping the pole into a dip tube or a dip tank etc. What I find a little curious about this, is the suggestion to dip the rod complete with guides wrapped and ferrules attached. It seems to me that the urethane will coat the guides as well as everything else. I can see how the thread wraps would get a nice finish as well as the rod but doesn't the urethane chip off the metal guides, ferrules and eventually leave a kind of stepped condition to the thread wrap.

I guess not since I've read many post suggesting this is the most professional way it is being done. Unless I am reading it wrong

Suggestions on a home made device for dipping would be appreciated as well.


Thanks for any clarification and/or help in this matter

Steve Lynas



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2011 12:16PM by Steve Lynas.

Many traditional bamboo builders did and do dip the entire rod. This was with a highly thinned, warmed, varnish. The build up on the guides was minimal.

You may want to try the graphite builder's standard approach to blank refinishing, which would be to coat the blank, let that dry, then wrap and finish the guides as usual.

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

I'll agree with Tom on this. You just may end up with a mess on your hands wondering why you did it that way when you can do the rod first and then the guides. I actually did a test fiberglass rod that I spray painted then sprayed with Helmsman and it came out quite good for my first time. I'm not recommending you do it that way. I just did it as a test.

Thanks.

As usual for me would be to use the Threadmaster Thread finish. Do you foresee any problem mixing it with the Spar Urethane finish on the rod?

Steve Lynas

Over the top of fully dried spar varnish you'll be fine. Give the spar about 4 days to fully dry.

.........