I cannot seem to get past the fuzzy thread when cutting the tag end at the end of my wraps. I am pulling the tag end towards the end of the wrap (guide insert direction) enough to create a small opening in the threads, laying the razor blade flat against the wraps and pulling the tag end into the razor. Could i be wrapping the thread too tight or?
The guides are rather tough to move.

You might need a sharper blade. I found that single edge blades work for me, xacto blades are not sharp enough and double edge shaving blades are too sharp. I lay the blade flat and give an abrupt nudge to slice the tag.

Greg

Hi Mark

Totally agree with Greg your blades are not sharp enough.I have had same problem with cutters just trimming a piece of thread
to use the ends are all frayed.

cheers

Ray Balmforth
Figtree
NSW
Australia

Hi Mark,
People use a number of methods to cut tag ends and use what works for them. One method is to put the pull through in a bit ealier, about ten wraps from the end. When finished pull the pull through until the tag end is tight but not under the wraps. I use a new single edged blade for every rod and don't have any issues. Cut the tag end off just shorter than where the pull through is put in. If you wrap towards yourself then pull the pull through away from you at about 45 degrees. You should be left with no visible sign of the tag end and no fuzzies. Burnish the end of the wrap to straighten everything out. May take a couple of practice goes to get it right but it works well.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Mark,
A year or so after starting to build rods, I was over at my favorite rod shop learning more from the master rod builder at the shop.
When I asked him the same question about "fuzzy cuts" he replied - "simple, good fly tying scissors".

So, I picked up a top of the line fly tying scissors and I have never cut another tag end except with that pair of scissors.
I sharpen the scissors about once a year and they simply cut very cleanly, very close every time, with no fuzzies.

I was particularly glad to switch to scissors, because of the cut wraps that I experienced from time to time if the razor blade slipped as I was cutting the thread due to my early beginnings and lack of practice.

Never a nicked thread when using the scissors. Never a fuzzy cut, and always very close to the wraps.

[www.drslick.com]

Roger

This is the easiest way to tie off the winding thread.

After you put the loop on and wind to where you want to stop, cut the winding thread about 8 inches from the guide so you can have a good grip on the tag line.

Thread the tag through the loop and pull it tight . Then pull the loop tight but don't pull the tag under yet. After you have the tag and the loop tight so you can let the tag loose, cut the tag as close as you can with a good pair of fly tying scissors, then pull the tag under.

If you have done it right the tag should be under with nothing sticking out. Try this and let me know what you think ~ Jim

[]

it's help me with fuzzy problem

Thanks so much for all the help fellas!
The blade I am using is new out of the package but they are Walmart cheapies so I am wondering if that may be the problem. I may give it a try cutting the tag end before I pull the loop all the way out. I have been practicing my wraps and thought I had this issue squared away but when I go and start my first build they are back again, figures. I was hoping to get this one wrapped and finish on it so I could use it in a tournament this weekend but I will work on it till I get it right.

I deal with my tag ends exactly the same as Jack, never had an issue.

The trick I found was when you cut the tag end off instead of making a straight pull with the tag end I angle it so Im sure the fuzzy stays under the wrap. I use surgical blades and scalpels they are cheap and there is no end to the blade design you can get.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/18/2012 07:40AM by Maryann Cohen.

G'Day Mark Ido the same as Maryann .I pull the tag at approximately 45deg.& as soon as the tag is locked I use a scalpel with a blade with a rounded tip, place it on the tag & rock the scalpel,result a clean cut. I always replace the blade after every rod .

Regards Baz

Bundeena
NSW Australia

Roger, That is a great idea! I've lookeda t the scissors, what is better the straight or the curved scissors, just curious.

I picked up some razor blades from a beauty supply shop...the blades that hair sylists use to do razor cuts with. They are longer and thinner than a regular razor blade and IMO about 10 times sharper!
Literally just toutch the thread and it's cut as clean as a whistle.

Here's a picture of them...[www.rodbuilding.org]

Lorenzo,
I have found that the straight scissors work better for me.
Roger

I do the same as Jack. But occasionally the pesky tag end slips through the wrap and sticks out defying you to try and trim/burn it off. I eventually learned to ignore it at this point and attack it later. Just go ahead and apply the epoxy as normal but after the first coat cures break out the razor blade and carefully trim the tag off and finish with a second coat. The two coats will blend together and you will never see the operation.

Don

Fuzz does not bother me much. After the first coat of finish has cured just slice off any bumps left by the former fuzz and apply another coat of finish. Easy peazzy.

Thanks for the thoughts all!
Jack, I tried your method and ended up doing that with rest of the guides I put on this build, works great. Acouple of times I didn't get the tag cut short enough and it was sticking through so I had to redo.

I noticed when I was cutting the tag end on the start of a wrap that I wasn't getting the fuzzies there so now I am thinking that I was putting too much tension on the thread when cutting it causing the last few strands of thread to tear.

I have recently purchased a quality cuticle nipper and have used it on my last two builds and it seems to cut very cleanly and close to the wrap leaving neither fuzz nor a bump. I read this on this very site and it works perfectly. I have tried the method that Jack suggested and it also works perfectly. I like to experiment. This site is an amazing resource of knowlege.

Hillsborough, NJ

With all teh time you guys waste fiddlign around wiht various cutters and blades, rewrappig if it isn't perfect - you could just do the best you can pulling through and cutting, applying finish, and in about 3 seconds slice off the hardened nub with a razorblade. It comes out perfect 100% of teh time. Nobody is going to sit over your shoulder giving you a grade for how well you pull through and cut a fuzzy thread nub, all that matters is the finished product with a couple of coats of epoxy on top.

Like Billy said I coat let it dry Sand with 400 and a second coat covers nicely

Bill - willierods.com