I have had several instances of thread discoloration lately. It is occurring only where the thread goes over the guide feet. It is dark and appears to run down from the feet on both sides. It occurs after the first epoxy application. I am using the same components, color preserver, and epoxy that I always use. I would think it has to be related to the guide feet or something I'm doing. Any ideas on what is causing this and what can be done to prevent it ?

David, If you are using CP then you are not getting the CP down in the channels created by the guide foot. I had the same problem on a fly rod and Mr. Kirkman got me straightened out. Take a sharp pointed instrument or a tooth pick and put a drop of CP in both channels of each foot then apply CP to the remainder of the thread. That should solve your problem.

Pack your thread as tight as you can also. And to re-state from previous post, get the CP down the tunnels and SOAK the threads with CP

Buzz

If talking about double foot, place them on a flat surface to make sure they are sitting flat. Sometimes I receive them and they need some adjusting. If not flat possibly the gap between the blank and feet is allowing some discoloration.

Just a guess.

If single foot or fly I'm not sure as I've never had happen. I do burnish like crazy though and use CP.

Although I used 3 coats of color preserver, apparently it did not get under the guide feet because that's the only place there is a discoloration. Six of the guides were 4mm micros and they also showed the same problem. The color preserver did seem to have a higher than normal viscosity. Can CP be thinned to get better penetration ? Thanks.

Yes
Depending on the maker
But they all tell you you should not
If you do thin put more coats on I like water based

I usually put a wet coat while turning
Wait -- you can see as the thread soaks up the CP it will only take several minutes Not long at all -- Do not let it dry -- Baby Sit --or it will harden and be harder for another coat to Penetrate After a couple of minutes Stop the turner i will turn the guides left and then right and put a nice heavy coat on the area of the channel let this soak in When it looks like it will not take more I start the turner and coat the wrap again -- then let dry

But you do have to PACK and BURNISH well

Bill - willierods.com