Hi,
I am wrapping guides for the first time on a fly rod. I am having difficulty with getting the thread to wrap. The blank I have has a gloss finish on it from the manufacture and the thread slips. I have loosen the tension on the thread I have increased the tension slowly to the opposite extreme. I have considered lightly scoring the gloss finish just like when I installed the grip and seat. Since it will be covered by thread and finish I would think it wouldn't have any adverse affects on the rod. I would appreciate any tips or tricks for getting the wraps to stop sliding while I am trying to start the wrap.
Thanks,
Cory

I use blue painters tapeto tape the tag end of the thread to the blank. I also use a small wrap of tape for the beginning of the wrap to lie straight against (If the wrap is simple). Once I have six wraps around the tag end of the thread, I line up the tag end with the guide foot (spinning, fly or 180 spiral guide) or on the blind side of the rod (all guides on the top of the rod). I then cut the tag end with a fly tying scissors and feather the thread out so I don't see a bulge under the wrap. Tension takes practice. You want it to be snug, but if it's too tight, you will not be able to adjust the guides and will have trouble pulling through at the completion of your wrap.

Try holding the thread to the blank preventing the first crossover of the tag end from spinning by maintaining pressure on the first wraps with the end of your thumb as you turn the blank with your other hand. After four or five revolutions the tag end is secured and the thread won't spin anymore..

two things
With loose tension get 2 - 3 wraps on Then tighten the tension to where you want it
Or
Wet your finger This usually helps to keep it from turning Or both
But the tight tension will keep it turning

Bill - willierods.com

Hi Cory,

I use fingertip pressure to start and as I roll the blank forward it travels up my finger until enough wraps have been applied to hold securely. You may find it easier to just apply tape as mentioned until you get the hang of it.

the others have offered some tips. but the first thing mentioned should have been this: Gloss finish/slipping is normal. :)

this is your first time, with practice you'll get the hang of it. there's no need to score the finish.

eric
fresno, ca.

the others have offered some tips. but the first thing mentioned should have been this: Gloss finish/slipping is normal. :)

this is your first time, with practice you'll get the hang of it. there's no need to score the finish. take 5-10 turns at the start with tension, and then increase the tension.

eric
fresno, ca.

(I guess that needed reinforcement! lol)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2014 12:43PM by eric zamora.

Also hold the Tag End as you roll till you got maybe 4-5 turns

Bill - willierods.com

When you make your "locking X" of the thread, take the tag end and spiral wind it around the blank 3 or 4 times. Pin it with a finger as you start and then make 2 or 3 turns. That's all you'll need to do.

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

all the pointers work, your problem is you don't have suffent wraps before you let it go , you have to hold it till you have at least 5 , 7 is better fot a NEWBEE , you can cut it back after you do it a few times ,
don't for get don't make it to tight as you will have to move the guides some [ at least I do ] so make them taunt an not tight so you can move the guide some , the gloss on the rod should not be a problem with any wrap I think

William Sidney
AK

all the pointers work, your problem is you don't have suffent wraps before you let it go , you have to hold it till you have at least 5 , 7 is better fot a NEWBEE , you can cut it back after you do it a few times ,
don't for get don't make it to tight as you will have to move the guides some [ at least I do ] so make them taunt an not tight so you can move the guide some , the gloss on the rod should not be a problem with any wrap I think

William Sidney
AK

all the pointers work, your problem is you don't have suffent wraps before you let it go , you have to hold it till you have at least 5 , 7 is better fot a NEWBEE , you can cut it back after you do it a few times ,
don't for get don't make it to tight as you will have to move the guides some [ at least I do ] so make them taunt an not tight so you can move the guide some , the gloss on the rod should not be a problem with any wrap I think

William Sidney
AK

What size guides are you using? Even with smaller guides I find that if I prep (Sand smooth to a flat point) the initial lay over wrap on the guide foot goes much easier. I also use a small tight wrap of VERY GOOD STICKY masking tape. Keep trying. You'll find a process that works for you.

Thanks guys I was able to wrap the tag end around the blank and get it started. All the tips were really helpful.
Thanks,
Cory

As you wrap guides you will get the hang of it The first one is always the hardest to do But it gets easyer

Bill - willierods.com

Hello,

I had similar problems when I first started wrapping. It may help to take out the slack in the thread before starting the wrap. Here is a way that works for me:

After making my "X" crossover where I want the wrap to start, I pull the tag end perpendicular (90 degrees) to the blank while rotating blank by hand in the opposite direction that I wrap.

The idea here is to let the looped thread slip around the blank a little while tightening itself in the process. Hope this helps.

-chad



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2014 01:04AM by Chad Barlongo.