Attempting to do some trim wraps using both the metalic Pro-kote and Gudebrond. I tape the thread and pull to the blank then start my wrap like normal after about 5 turns I wrap the trim 3 wraps and pull it back under my main wrap cut the tag ends and finish the wrap. I am having issues with the trim wrap staying tight and packed. Is it just because they are the metallic threads on a glossy blank and they are slipping?
The Pro-Kote seems harder to work with than the Gudebrond. Does anyone make a silver or gold that is more like one of the regular ncp threads? Thought I might need to tighten up my main wrap to keep the trim in place so I tried that before pulling the trim under - that seems like it causes the trim to break or pull pieces off when I pull them back under.

Chris,
Rather than using 5 wraps to hold the trim, use 15 wraps to hold the trim.

Be safe
Roger

Hi Chris,
Try putting a few more wraps over the trim and/or putting some cp on the trim. You are correct saying that metallic slips easier than regular thread. Metallics do de laminate easily and you need to be careful, the outside metallic layer is very thin. You will improve with metallics when you get used to the stuff. Try some other brands and see how you go with them.
Madeira make gold and silver and it looks good but I've haven't got any yet. Billy Vivona says it's good

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

When I do small trim bands with metallic, I always CP them and let them dry before trimming.

I have 2 recommendations:

1) Try Sulky Metallics. They are strong but a little thinner than the other rodbuilding metallics and a little thinner than A size thread. You may need to add another wrap or 2 to get the same thickness trim band.

2) If you want a trim band 5 turns into your main wrap, try this:
Tape your trim thread to the blank. Make the 5 turns of main wrap thread over the trim thread.
Start the trim band by wrapping over the main wrap in the same direction. Put the number of trim band wraps you want. It's best to loosen the main wrap thread a bit when over wrapping the trim.
To finish, tuck the trim thread under the main wrap. Turn 1/4 turn. Pull the tag end so that there is a small loop underneath the main wrap, and the tag end is now pointed in the direction you are wrapping.
Make 8-10 more turns to secure the trim tag end. Pull out the loop and give it an extra tug to tighten the trim band.
Now the trim is secured on both ends, and is tight to the blank.

Terry

You tube is your best friend. There is a method that is much easier. Tape a stiring straw to the blank and wrap around that 5 times. Take the tag end and run it back through the gap between the rod and the straw. Take the tag end that is on the opposite side and run it between the straw and the rod (on the opposite side you ran the first one). Lift the two tag ends up together and slide the wrap off the straw and next to the wrap you want it to trim. Pull the tag ends away from each other and they will tighten up. Trim the tags and move on.

Sorry if this is ambiguous. It's hard to explain on a keyboard.

Chris

Ditto on the Sulky metallic threads. I find them to be the most user friendly metallics!

Rog

Chris

Ditto on the Sulky metallic threads. I find them to be the most user friendly metallics!

Rog

The nail knot method works well. I do it like the flex coat video. I start the trim wrap with only 1 wrap, then add my thread loop. 4-5 wraps then cut and pull thru. Pack before trimming and then don't touch it again. It gets tough closer to the tip. Make sure you have a lot of tension. Be patient and practice.

I use this method, works very well.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

I do my trim totally different then that

Another trick is to wet the blank with your finger It helps to keep the thread from sliding

Bill - willierods.com