Is it safe to use denatured alcohol on graphite rods for cleaning off excess thread finish and bonding glue?

I don't see why not.

I don't see why not.

I don't see why not.

Thats what I use. I think that's what a lot of people use.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

That's what I use also.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

And plenty of paper towels

Bill - willierods.com

Brian,
Not if you don't mind sofening the paint and ruining the rod's finish. Now - if the blank is "clear-coated" like the Sage's - that is O.K. Otherwise the DA will definately soften the paint - depending how much you use. If it is a high-gloss finish you don't even need a solvent. Just wipe it off - provided you get to it ASAP. The construction epoxy is different. Wipe most of it off with a dry paper town. Then use 70% alcohol sparingly. I talk from experiance with a Gatti blank. That is why I always specify non-painted blanks and just give them a good coat on caranuba wax.
Regards,
Herb

I have seen DNA soften and remove color from some high end blanks. Surprised me to say the least. Isopropyl alcohol at the lower end of the percentage is a safe bet. Always try i it on the handle end where it will not be seen if at all possible.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

I keep hearing about high end blanks and Bad Finish ???

For the price ya pay can't they put a coat of permagloss on them darn shame !!

Bill - willierods.com

Bill, just because a solvent removes a finish that doesn't make it a "bad finish".

Would you polish a fine piece of furniture or musical instrument with acetone?

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I have had many blanks and have cleaned them with alcohol and never had any finish soften up
It should not Especially a high end blank you pay good money for

Bill - willierods.com

Bill,
They all use the same automotive paint. It really depend on how you use the DNA. If you have a fresh deposit of thread finish, or fresh construction epoxy, a paper towel dampened with DNA will prob not do any NOTICEABLE damage BUT - if you have a partially cured and stubborn deposit of finish and you flood it with DNA and scrub - you will damage the paint.
Herb

maybe cause I use Rubbing Alcohol It is not as strong as DNA

What about posts I read about high end blank finishes coming off when cleaned Automotive clears are said to be Impervious to gasoline ?

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2011 09:06AM by bill boettcher.

Whenever, I receive a blank to be used for rod building. I take a paper towel and give it a GOOD rub down with DNA - full length on the rod.

If any finish comes off of the rod with the DNA, I want to know about it before I start to build on the blank. So, after giving the blank a very good rub down with DNA, to be sure that the finish is clean of finger prints, wax and any release products; I will look over the blank and decide if the finish is acceptable to be an excellent finished rod for a client. If it is; I will continue the build.

If not, I will return the blank to the vendor.

It dosen't matter the maker of the blank; the blank and its finish should be able to withstand the rigors of a good wipe down with DNA. This is a very mild cleaning product. If the blank can not withsatnd the rigors of a good rubdown with DNA, I don't believe that the finish will hold up to the rigors of a client giving the blank a good cleaning from time to time to keep his rod looking nice.

I want to know - BEFORE - I have any time or effort, or money spent on components on a blank that will not be satisfactory - long term in the field.

If I have received a blank that has a finish issue with a DNA wipedown, I will likely strip the finish and build the rod as a matt graphite finished blank. i.e. if the blank is worthy of the building efforts. If I really like the blank and the matt finish is acceptable to the client, I will finish the rod, and also send a letter to the blank manufacturer with a request to either not finish the blank or to improve the finish quality of their blank.
If I find that a finish is partially removed with just DNA, it generally takes very little effort indeed to completely strip the finish to bare graphite. I will do a polish on the blank and build it up with the polished matt finish of the graphite.

Roger

Roger,
Fingerprints and what-not I can see. But release agents?? Since painting would be the last thing done to a blank, release agents are long gone before painting.
Herb