Been building rods for some time now. I am just curious what types (brand names) of epoxy some of the rod builders on here use, and why.I have been using a high build and just curious as to other builders pros and coms. Thanks

Hi Gerald,
Lot of builders here using all brands of finish and getting similar results, it's a matter of choice. The "secret" is often in the application methods and not messing with it. Look in the library and do a search using all dates and you'll turn up a mountain of info.
I'm a Thread master fan and I've been getting good results so I stick with it

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Threadmaster Light. I am not a pro, but I get professional consistent results. Bubbles are easy to remove and a nice glass like finish. I usually use one coat on guide wraps, two on decorative wraps



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2012 07:46AM by Frank DeFranco.

I sell products that I use, and I have listed pros and cons of both Threadmaster &Pro Kote on this page, along with my "kit" [northeastrodbuilders.com]

Hi Gerald,

I use exclusively Trondak's Dura Gloss LS Supreme, but then again, being one of the owners, I am a bit biased.

Best Wishes!

You use the words "what type of epoxy do rod builder use"?

Epoxy is used in all aspects of rod building.

Are you talking about assembly epoxy, or guide wrap finishing epoxy?

Roger

fairly obvious to everyone he's asking about finish, unless you know about a high build epoxy glue.

Billy,
Actually, it is not at all obvious to me.
As I look at my box of glues, I have at least 5 different assembly epoxies that are of all thickness and cure time.

That is why I asked the question.

which one of those is specifically labelled high build? come on dude, it's obvious, just answer his question.

I Gerald. I think Col nailed it. I have been using High Build as well and was struggling with peaks and valleys. Per opinions and advice, I have gotten a lot better with the application process and my results are now much more appealing. I thin my HB with a heater (similar to a blow dryer) after mixing and apply from a flat surface (aluminum foil). Now I get a much more smooth surface with almost no bubbles.

These are my findings. When I use all of my high build I think I will try TM lite and see how it behaves.

I have tried most all of the Rod Finish epoxy that has come down the road in the last 10 years. Consistency in your prep and mixing style gives you a fair playing field trying any new brand. They tend to all have their own little differences but all work fine. That being said, I have the best all around results with TM Reg for my first coat and TM Lite for the second coat. There do tend to be some small bubbles with the reg. I have no problems taking them out with a few careful swipes of a heat gun once I have leveled & wicked the whole wrap. Leveling & wicking TM Reg is a breese. I drip on the TM with a spade shape spatula. Quick & easy to cover any wrap. Reg sets up well for me in Iowa in about 3 hours. The TM Lite is even easier to apply and level but takes several more hours to set. Experiment, be consistent in your prep-application style and then look carefully for and note the the differences that you find. The one that fits/pleases your style ...... use it.

Threadmaster high build was my number 1 until hills valleys and a more bolbus finish over the feet started to look terrible, then I used TM lite build also and amazed at the minimum bubbles and a much thinner application was needed..... Chucked that out also, Try getting TM epoxy off 2 months later,, rock hard and a nightmare....now 3 months into using is Aftcote, love it.. i can you a wizz stick and it won't give bubbles, nice warm lustre finish and is perfect for epoxy layers between thread work...