I have ordered size A thread for my fly rod build. As a total beginner to rod building I decided to practice a few wraps on an old fly rod using the only
thread available to me - 280 Denier fly-tying thread. i understand that this thread is not suitable for rod building, but wanted to at least attempt starting and finishing a wrap correctly. Managed that quite easily and the wraps looked pretty good for a first attempt.

My questions are as follows:
Will it be alot easier using the correct thread - in this case size A?
The fly-tying thread seemed to slip easily and not stack too nicely. Would that be expected from using the fly-tying thread?

I suppose I am just looking for a confidence boost!

The size A rod building thread won't have wax on it (your fly tying thread might) and shouldn't slip and will be a tad larger in diameter. You'll find it easier for guide wrapping.

...............

Dave,
Just grab some common sewing thread. This thread will act much like rod building thread.

By the way, when you start a wrap, use a piece of masking tape to hold down the loose end. That way you can put 4 or 5 wraps over the tag end to secure it before you cut the tag end from the tape.
This is much easier than trying to just let the end of the tag end lay on the rod and slip. Take some masking tape and cut it into narrower strips. The narrower tape works well and takes care of securing the thread very well.

Be safe

Hi, Welcome to the rod-building fraternity. Best to decide now, how you are going to wrap: inwards, or outwards. Outwards to mean the thread is coming in ~underneath~ the blank, thumbs going upwards as you wrap. Inwards to mean the thread is coming in from ~on top~ of the blank, with the thumbs going downwards as you wrap. Or if you prefer: from your right hand: CW, or CCW.

Dave,
Commercial rod building thread will work much easier then fly tying thread.
The fly thread is loosely woven so it flatten's as tension is applied.
Rod thread will remain closer to round allowing wraps to guide into position side by side rather than overlap.
Much more consistent and easier.

Gene

You are not building a rocket ship
As you build you will see how The tension should be how the thread goes around and when to Pack
if you have a nice machine ( i built my own ) and it works find for many years

get some scrap blanks or some thin dowels Wrap thread on Wrap guides on practice If it is not right Cut it off and do it again

The more you worry about it -- The more you will screw up

Bill - willierods.com