I keep reading lately that heating epoxy resin shortens the pot life. I don't know how I stumbled upon this methiod but I have been using it for a while. I did research on getting bubble free glass like finish on my builds.This is what i found . I use a candle warmer to heat both the resin and hardener. I use Threadmaster Lite. I then take a piece of aluminum foil; and lay it over a plastic dish. After the epoxy is heated up I mix the two parts thoroughly and pour it on the foil. I then take a bubble buster and hit the epoxy with the flame to burst all the bubbles. I then dip in my brush and apply to the rod. Is this overkill ? The obvious response will probably be, if it works for me don't change it. I just want to know if I am wasting any time with these steps. Thanks

If it works dont change it...be carefull about letting flame touch the epoxy. A bubble free mix doesn't insure no bubbles either, they can come from epoxy expelling air from the thread so always check. But, a bubble free mix is always best. You can get it too warm and cause bubbles, I have with a heat gun. Now I hold my hand directly behind the wrap, if my hand cant take it, it's too hot.

I do the same thing up to pouring on the foil. I usually remove my bubbles after I get it on the wrap with heat though. I was trying to heat from the bottom side of the foil one time and smoked a batch, so I just wait until it is on the guide now.

Thanks guys, I also flame the wrap till the bubbles disappear. Appreciate the feedback

I wonder how the rod companies handle their epoxy? Has anyone taken a factory tour to see how the pros do it?
I can't imagine that they have all the trouble we amateur rod builders have with epoxy. Bill

I believe their secerete is machines make the rod start to finish (Uglystick and other store brands)

the hand made production rods probably use large batches of epoxy and coat several rods at the same time.

a local tackle center uses a FC high build and the plastic brushes, an epoxy mixer and something for heat, but they are making "custom" rods.


All 3 of them are probably done in temperature controlled rooms with thermastats set between 70 to 72 deg's F


Personally I have only had a problem with bubbles in my epoxy on the one rod where I accidently boiled the epoxy with a heat gun creating more bubbles than i got out.

Strong wraps, calm seas
Derek