I am about to attempt my first split grip rod and need a little help on how to proceed. I want to do a dragon scale wrap on the handle between the butt and rear grip on a medium spinning rod. For the folks who have done this before...do you do the wrap first...apply finish then install the grips and reel seat or do you build the handle first and then do the wrap between the grips?

I am leaning towards doing the wrap first as I want the scales wrap to appear to flow under the grips without interruption but I am concerned about cleaning any adhesive off the finish after putting the grips on.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

I personally never like to do wraps before installing the grip.
But, to each his own.

I often do tiger-wraps, finish them with one coat, then add the split grips.
Generally the butt section goes on from the bottom.
The epoxy I use is U-40 paste. There's no problem whipping any excess off the finished wrap.
In fact I sometime use excess U-40, from the grip and butt, to form ramps/winding checks for a seamless transition.
Once the handle parts have cured, I color the ramps with a magic-marker, then put another coat of finish over everything.

My order would be:

1) build the grips and have the customer confirm the size, shape and location of the grip to suit their individual physique. Doing this first will define the size and location available for your decorative threadwork. Once this is buttoned down and confirmed I would 2) do my wrap and finish it then 3) install the handle components.

This is not necessarily the most efficient way to do it from a time perspective because of the multiple applications of finish and finish drying time. But that is okay with me because I usually can only work on detailed aspects of rods for short period of time before I have to walk away from a rod to rest my eyes. So it works for me.

I don't think this is something where there is a right or wrong way to do it. Either way will work fine so do what works for you.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/26/2014 12:42PM by John E Powell.

Based on how you want it to look I think wrapping your scales and putting on a satisfied finish before grip install will look the cleanest. You can overextend the wrap and tuck your finishing wraps into the grip.

I'd then ream grips to fit and take measurements for winding checks if using.

I generally tie the wrap, finish with one coat, and then apply the grips over the wrap, concealing any tie off. You can freely apply paste epoxy over the finished thread, slide the grip into place and clean up with isopropyl alcohol. Another coat of finish over the thread and you're good to go.

That's great info guys! Thanks a bunch for your help.

I always log off this site smarter than when I log on.

Wrap. 1 coat of finish. Grip 2nd coat.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

[www.rodbuilding.org]

You may be interested to learn where this idea originated. Read the text carefully.

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

Chris.....I saw that pic and liked it very much. It was what made me want to have no tie-offs. Great job and thanks for the inspiration.

Tom.....saw that article a while back. You run a great board and have a great bunch of guys here.