When wrapping in bands, how do u keep the threads from twisting around each other and wrapping in "ropes"? I seem to have this problem when trying to keep tension on just two threads. As I pinch the threads all that twist gets backed up down toward the spools , thread gets all wound around each other and I suppose it's too entangled to flatten out as it passes thru my fingers . How do u hold the threads to keep the threads separated as u wrap? Thanks in advance for the suggestions
Jim j

I get the same problem, what I do is after a pass up and down maybe twice if the twist is too much I will cut the thread and reload my hand. I also found that by pulling the thread from the box of spools then then sliding your hand closer to the spools and further away from the blank helps too. In other words when wrapping the thread in not sliding through your fingers but held tight and as the thread lays down your hand will move closer to the blank. Tension is provided by your resistance to move your hand closer to the blank. Hope that makes sense.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Are you talking about fairly wide bands of two colors? With just two or three revolutions I don't get the problem with regular or metallic thread. I gently hold the two threads together (so they are actually touching) as I wrap.

I don't know it for sure but I expect this problem is associated either with many revs or too high finger pressure on the the threads or both.

I notice the problem when I have two threads of different colors. But u may both be right. It may be on the last leg of the pass (wrapping a box out) where the problems occur. I should also put my thread spools in a Plano box. Right now I just cut off a length and use a big Madeira spool.
Fred, I do tend to pinch thread tight ~12" from the blank and as the rod turns allow my hand to move toward blank without thread passing thru my fingers. So then I am pinching thread next to the blank. I try to pinch the thread as I slide my hand back another 12" to keep it from twisting and to untwist crossovers on the threads between my hand and blank, the part about to be laid down. When u do this, that's where all that kinking comes from in the threads between my hand and spool. But I don't know how else to get the right threads side by side as I lay them down.

Use a hair comb to keep this from happening. Hold the comb in your hand and the thread will stay separated.

Since I only go around a max of 4 times, I just use a length of thread of the second color long enough to manipulate it, so the end is free and that may be why I don't have troubles like this. But I think that is what you are doing, Jim, at least part of the time? Not sure how the comment "wrapping out a box" correlates with "just cut off a length." Sounds like Randolph knows what's happening; give his comb a try.

To clarify, when I'm wrapping in the second color, a max of four revs, I gently hold both threads between thumb and finger, applying tension this way until I get the second color under the main color and stabilized. Then back on the tensioner a few revs, then cut off the second color. The only time I pinch onto the blank is to stabilize the second color as I unwrap it one rev to get the three I want, to prevent me from unwinding more than I want.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> To clarify, when I'm wrapping in the second color,
> a max of four revs, I gently hold both threads
> between thumb and finger, applying tension this
> way until I get the second color under the main
> color and stabilized. Then back on the tensioner
> a few revs, then cut off the second color. The
> only time I pinch onto the blank is to stabilize
> the second color as I unwrap it one rev to get the
> three I want, to prevent me from unwinding more
> than I want.

Michael, I think we are talking about two different things. By bands, i am referring to holding 2+ threads in your hand while you wrap up and down a blank while doing a decorative wrap, instead of wrapping one thread at a time. when i refer to wrapping a box out, I am talking about a decorative wrap layout thread that is wrapped "out". I think your advice is for wrapping a "band" around the blank such as a guide underwrap, where you switch colors.

Randolph, this sounds like a great idea. I can visualize it solving my problem completely and allowing to wrap even more threads in a band. I will give it a try!
Any more tips anyone?
Jim

I cut the threads to length, anchor them and run them through a comb.

I was taking several sections of thread Holding the tips of them and then Gently running my fingers down the thread to get them to stay straight and even
Gudebrod worked well this way Pro Wrap did not Then taping the ends on and wrapped

Bill - willierods.com

I made a box for this same problem as would alway get 1 thread get twisted into the others,so I took a small box and drilled 4 hole in the bottom to mount post for the thread spools to go onto and then I drilled 4 hole in the front of the box. The next thing that I did was install 4 metal snaps like the one's that one would use in leather making to plug the holes on a belt strap and the thread would then pass through no problem. This works on both metallic and nylon thread and they come out even and separated no tangles then use my fingers to guide the thread up and down the wrap.

Glenn McMurrian

Use bands on one pass at a time, cut at least six inches longer than you need, stick them to double sided tape, run a packing tool down between the threads separating them from each other and wrap up the blank. If you wiggle your fingers a bit as you make the pass, the threads will fall into place as long as you have plenty of length. Stick the top end down and repeat. Don't leave the thread on a spool and don't try to go up and down with a band. A little practice and you can do bands of at least 8 A size threads without a problem. Double sided tape, thread cut to size, one pass at a time.

Yes, I was interpreting the whole thing wrong. I don't do those wraps any more. Life's too short.

Yes, I was interpreting the whole thing wrong. I don't do those wraps any more. Life's too short.

I had good success using a fine comb. Had one for mustaches that came w a trimmer. Worked well. I figured out that while wrapping a fade, if u make the band symmetrical then u don't have to change orientation of the comb when going different direction s after the turnaround at the top. So, I would wrap dark lite dark, or, dark lite lite dark.
If u wrap dark dark lite, then when u come back down the blank, if the comb is up, lite is now the outside thread instead of inside thread where it belongs.

Thanks to everyone for help. It was helpful! Jim j