Folks, this is my first post and I'm in the middle of my first build, and like most everyone I guess, I'm experiencing some learning moments. I started out wrapping my rod using a $30 rod wrapper. I've since ordered a Pac Bay new manual wrapper that they just released. It's upgradable to a powered unit. In fact it looks almost identical to their powered unit sans the motor.

My problem will sound very elementary to most of you. I'm doing base wraps using A thread as this will be a saltwater rod. I got the first two base wraps finished and was working on the 3rd, when I realized that the friction from the felt rod holder had caused one of my base wraps to come unraveled. I wasn't happy as it was a mess of thread. So I finished the one I was working on and went back and redid the first base wrap.

Well, I'm moving along and the same darn thing happened to another base wrap. At this point is when I ordered the new wrapper as the rod supports give more flexibility in holding the rod. But my inquiring mind still believes I'm either not using enough tension on my wraps or I'm not using enough wraps at the finish of the base wrap where I pull the thread back underneath the previous wraps.

Be gentle (lol) in your tips. I do find this new hobby therapeutic. I'm a CPA getting ready for another brutal tax season and this clears my brain at the end of a long day. Because I'll be working 10-12 hrs per day, my plan is to come home, kick the dog and then do a couple guide wraps until finished.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/31/2013 02:25PM by Tom Kirkman.

have you taken any rod building classes Read any books on building Or even gotten any CDs

Bill - willierods.com

Jon.
I suggest that you set your rod to where the felt is not touching your wraps.

The felt can create enough friction that no mater how tight you wrap things they can be pulled loose.
also be careful when you epoxy your threads as it creates a real mess of things when it gets on the felt. I know from personal experience.

You should be wrapping about 5 to 6 layers past where you bring your loop in, for pulling back through your tag end. More then that and many times the line will snap before it pulls through.

If you cannot adjust the rod to where it cannot avoid coming in contact with the felt. One thing that might help; is to NOT cut off your tag ends until completely wrapping the rod, then cut them all off at one time.

Maybe I don't understand
Are the wraps that are done turning on the felt ?? If this is the case try to adjust so No Wrap lays on the felt ??

Bill - willierods.com

the above responses are great. just make sure you get it resolved before the epoxy goes on or you will have a huge problem then

I had the same problem before going to a power wrapper.

The wraps should never contact the felt rests!

Hi Jon,

I just started the hobby myself. Two rods down and who knows how many more to go!? I did exactly what you did a few times in the beginning. I take it your rod holders are not adjustable? If that's the case I would think Steve's advice would be the best one. One thing you will find is this site is very friendly to helping newbies out.

Btw Bill I would love to take a class but there are non offered in my area that I am aware of. Toronto Canada.

Anyway have fun with your new found very addictive hobby! It's like building toy models all over again, but much more expensive! Lol

Happy New Year Everyone!

My rod wrapper is a simple 2 "holer". The rod I chose to wrap was chosen because I thought it would be easier. It's a 4'10" Batson knife jig blank. But, when I static tested for location of the guides, I found it needed way more than I thought. Thus the guides are closer together that I expected and given the limitations of my wrapper, it's very difficult to keep the thread off the felt.

But, help is on the way. I ordered Pac Bays new Rodsmith RM-HW, which they claim is the best hand wrapper in the biz. I don't know if that is true, but it will be light years better than my $30 POS.

my training has come mostly from You Tube videos. Fortunately, my wife supports my new hobby, thus I see many new rods in my future.

It may be difficult, but it is a MUST!