Hi Tom and All. I was using your thread inlay tutorial in the library to complete a double thread inlay. After 5 wraps of my working thread I placed the end of my thread inlay. Instead of pulling the trim wrap underneath in steps 2 & 3, I cut the trim as close as possible, and then burnished it underneath the wrap when it was completed. Is that acceptable? I've placed the finish on it and I can't see a problem. I was getting frustrated because I kept pulling the inlay out.
Bruce

Bruce,
Any custom rod work is fine, if you as the builder and the client is happy with the work.

Roger

Bruce,
You can also try other ways to make the inlay.
I had similar problems to what you were having with the thread coming out, so I generally use a slightly different method.
I lay the trim thread on the blank before I ever start wrapping the thread. I tape down each end of the thread. Depending on the end that I will be using for the trim, I just tape it on down the blank to keep it from tangling in the wraps.
Then, depending on the number of trim wraps that I am going to do, I also lay in pull threads for each trim wrap that I am going to do.

Then, I go ahead and start the main wraps. I will do a dozen wraps - which give plenty of wraps to secure the trim end. Then, I go ahead and do the trim wraps and use one of the pre laid in pull threads to pull the trim thread back under the main wrap. Then, I will make another 5 or 6 main wraps and finally cut off both ends of the trim threads. This means that each end of the trim thread has about a dozen wraps over the ends. Never an issue with any trims pulling loose, and never any trims sticking up, because the trim tag ends are trimmed before over wrapping with the main wraps.

But every person is different and every setup is different. Do a bunch of practice on test blanks using different methods, different pull thread setups until you come up with a system that works for YOU. Just because a given system works for many folks does not mean that the particular system is the best for you. Also, just because a particular system that you might use, looks difficult or awkward for others - does not mean that it is still the best method for you to use.

Simply put - as the old saying goes - "there are lots of ways to skin a cat" - so to speak. The only thing that you have to do is to get your rod wrapped in an attractive and permanent way that works for you, your hands, eyes and technique.

Good luck
Roger