I was wondering what kind of burnishing tool shouldn't be used because I been just using random things just pack thread together.
Like, a plastic knife, that thing for trimming threads for sewing, etc...

Aloha,

Art

Hi Arturo,
As long as it doesn't mark the thread or have sharp edges that can fray the thread then you can use anything that does the job for you. They are not aexpensive items in any case.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

A knitting needle or crochette needle will work great for you.

So where would I find a burnishing tool without having to order it online?

You can go to a hardware store and pick up any sort of plastic pick or similar device to use as a burnishing tool. You can use a simple plastic scraper that you cut and shape to your liking as well.

Be safe

Thanks

I have a burnishing tool with a wood handle and a semi-pointed metal tip. It is absolutely wonderful and other than something sharp to cut thread would be the last thing I would do without. Comfortable in hand, packs thread well and does not damage it.

A popsicle stick would work fine, but it lacks the cachet of a store-bought, officially designated burnishing tool.

I bought a Cutical nail cleaner fron a drug store Had a tiny spoon on the loong end that I ground off to a point Then polished the heck out of
The other end I shapped the flat end and polished it for packing
Has a ribbed center section for good grip
After shapping I bend the flat packing end to get it to go streight to the threads

Works great

Bill - willierods.com

I use a dental pick, one that has round points on it that a dentist gave me. It is stainless steel and I burnish hard on large guides where I have overwraps. I just posted a picture of a guide that I recently wrapped and finished on a 50 lb. class offshore stand-up rod.

You can also go to any sewing or craft store (like Jo-Anns's) and pick up a seam ripper. They have all kinds of them with pointed ends for moving threads and round shafts that work well for burnishing.

Tom

For years I used handles off of 1/4" paint brushes. The hard wood ones worked best, I would just sharpen them with a pencil sharpener and they worked excellent.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Hi Arturo,
For as long as I have been building rods, I have used a teaspoon to burnish. I have one with a square end, for packing and use the round end for burnishing. every now and then I give the square end a rub on the cook's fingernail polishing board to keep it smooth. If you tell her that, I shall plead the fifth amendment. It also comes in handy at morning tea coffee time.
Regards, Rod.
Mboro. Qld.
Australia

G'day Arturo My son uses a disposable cigarette lighter & it seem to work well for him.I use one I purchased from Mud Hole & there is no difference between the two.

Regards Baz

Bundeena
NSW Australia

All this talk of pointed/flat objects leaves me thinking I don't have a clue what burnishing is. I'll readiliy admit I don't do enough of it she no wonder I don't have a clue.

Here I was thinking it was more along the line of what one would do with a minature rolling pin.....striving to flatten out and mush the threads together.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Russell, you do have a clue. Some are talking about using one tool that is double ended with one end designed for pushing thread together and the other end to be used for burnishing. Some may even use the top of the tool which is probably flat to push and the bottom side to do the burnishing. When I recommended using a knitting needle for burnishing, it was because they are readily available and cheap. There was no mention about what to use for packing thread. That is a connected but separate issue.

Rod Churchward Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi Arturo,
> For as long as I have been building
> rods, I have used a teaspoon to burnish. I have
> one with a square end, for packing and use the
> round end for burnishing.

Wait, I'm kind of lost, so what's the difference with packing the thread and burnishing?

Thank You!

Arturo

Arturo. Packing is when you push the threads together so that each thread is hard up against it neighbour .Burnishing is when you rub a tool(usually rounded ) over the top of the already packed threads .This tends to flatten the top of the threads , hides the individual threads & makes them look like a single piece .





Hope this rambling helps

Regards Baz

Bundeena
NSW Australia



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/10/2013 11:44PM by Barry Chapman.

Very good explanation Barry.

Barry Chapman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Arturo. Packing is when you push the threads
> together so that each thread is hard up against it
> neighbour .Burnishing is when you rub a
> tool(usually rounded ) over the top of the already
> packed threads .This tends to flatten the top of
> the threads , hides the individual threads & makes
> them look like a single piece .
>
>
>
>
>
> Hope this rambling helps

perfect! Thank you!!