I am fairly new to the rodbuilding world. To analyse my own work, my handles and reel seat work is good and my design wraps are progressing nicely as well. I also learned to get my epoxy free of bubbles and smooth as glass. My biggest issue is with the epoxy on the guide wraps. I would like to get clean uniform looking epoxy lines where the epoxy transitions from the wrap to the blank. I have used both high build and light epoxy. I have tried taking nylon brushes and trimmed off a lot of bristles to make a finer point, I have tried using a spatula, and a toothpick. It is not so bad that it stands out but I am a bit of a perfectionist with my work. I have a feeling that only experience and time will help me get it perfect, but would like some tips from the more experienced builders on this site. All input is appreciated.

Epoxy should never be "brushed" onto the wrap. Instead, load a wide, flat brush with epoxy, hold the brush above the wrap, gently lower the brush to the wrap while rotating the rod underneath the brush. The epoxy will flow onto the wrap in one complete revolution. By extending the brush out beyond the wrap just a hair, you'll get a straight, clean line of epoxy around the blank.

It may help you have a block or something to rest the heel of your hand on so you can hold the brush steady.

It shouldn't take more than perhaps 30 seconds (or less) to finish a guide wrap.

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

having the rod turn quickly also helps to get nice edges

Bill - willierods.com

yeah if you use a power wrapper spin the rod at about 200 rpm, then just hold your hand steady and it forms a bead over the edge. looks quite nice actually.

yeah if you use a power wrapper spin the rod at about 200 rpm, then just hold your hand steady and it forms a bead over the edge. looks quite nice actually.

Frank -

We made this video a little while back after answering the same question at the ORBS gathering. It's not a high end production, but hopefully helps out.

[www.youtube.com]

One thing to note, I usually use a wider brush on wider wraps. I just happened to grab the brush I use on micros when this was filmed. This also went a little slower than normal, but Tom's estimate of about 30 seconds is spot on.

Alex

Hydra Fishing, LLC

Online: [www.hydrafishing.com]
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Email: info@hydrafishing.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/01/2012 02:09PM by Hydra Fishing, LLC.

I use a 'dab' of epoxy and run the thin edge of the spatula against the edge of the thread. "Capillary action" (I think that's what they call it.) pulls the epoxy off the spatula and you end up with a nice even and straight line. That's if your thread lines are straight. With experience, your hand gets steadier and you can do it with a brush. Until then I hope this helps.


Larry

In the event that I go too far or the edge is uneven I fold a paper towel in half and get the rod turning on the lathe and move the paper towell towards the edge until it is even.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

If I get an edge that is not straight, i get a coffee filter and fold then wet it with alcohol then hold the filter on the rod and spin the rod and get a straight line of epoxy.

what about those of us who turn the rods by hand? With lots of practice I'm finally starting to get smooth epoxy without valleys or ridges, and it looks nice, but I can't seem to find a good way to have a straight edge where the epoxy ends. I've tried spinning it by hand with a paper towel against the epoxy border, but that doesn't work out as well as I'd like. Is taping an option, as in, can I put a single wrap of tape just below the threads and epoxy partially onto the tape, then pull it off before it cures?

Thanks all. I apply the epoxy while the rod is spinning on the drying motor 11 RPM's It looks much easier with the power wrapper as you don't have to hold your hand steady for more than a second or two. The coffee filter trick should also be a help in a pinch

Put your hand on a stick a two by four -- anything to steady your hand

Bill - willierods.com

As an occasional rod builder I usually use threadmaster lite as a primer and masking tape which is removed as soon as I wick off any excess epoxy, the only thing to watch is the inside of your wrap near the guide leg can end up a bit thin if you brush horizontally, just fix it up with the final coat. I'm sure I could learn to use a brush but tape allows you to get thefirst coat of finish on quick and let any bubbles release.

As the rod is turning on the dryer, I take an 8-inch piece of size D or E thread, stretch it tight and hold it perpendicular, on top of the rod and against the edge of the wrap. The thread wicks a small amount of epoxy onto the blank and it is easy to hold in place while the rod revolves a few times.

Hold a flosser against the edge of the wrap. Works when turning by hand also. Cheap and disposable too!

I didn't know what you meant by flosser...figured it was aussie slang or something until I saw you were from Florida and thought about it some more. I assume you're talking about the little disposable dental floss things. That's a great idea!

[www.dentek.com]

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON