Anyone have a good one coat routine they'd like to share? I can't seem to get a one-coat finish I like. Always seem to have a few threads that break the finish surface.

Thanks!

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

In my opinion there's no best one coat finish. I always put a thin coat then let dry. Cut off any rogue threads or fuzzies then apply a second coat. I always get a nice, smooth and level finish that way.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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I do as Swampland does
You can Depending on how fast or slow your turner is Faster will hold more Slower less most use high build and put too much on

So do as the artical says Stop the turner take off the drips Do several 180 hand turns Then turn the turner on babysite for a while and check

Bill - willierods.com

The article does not advocate allowing sagging and then removing excess or drips. That's a rumor that started when some viewed the photos but didn't bother to read the text. The idea is to not put on so much that you will have any excess to remove. Once you have sags and "drips" you're in trouble mode and then have to expend additional effort to hopefully correct things.

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I know Tom
But most who start out usually put too much finish on and until they learn what else can they do
That is why I always suggest a light finish With slow turners that high build will not stay on a slow turner
I was turning on a 70 rpm Then tried a 16 rpm Too slow did not like the time to put finish on I reset to 36 rpm Have not tried it yet -- Maybe I will go back to 70 ???

Bill - willierods.com

Marc,
I normally use 1+ coat of finish when coating guides.

I use my power wrapper to apply finish. Depending on what I am doing as I apply finish I will be turning the rod at speeds varying from 0 to about 60-200 rpm.

I start at the rod butt, quickly get enough finish on all of the wraps to get the bulk of the thread filled. At this time, I do not worry about too little, too much, sags or thin finish. I am working just to ge tthe bulk of the thread wetted down with the finish in its thinnest state.

Then, I go back over the rod, starting at the butt, using a bit of heat to let the finish flow out as neede to quickly touch up any thin spots, or brush down any thick spots.

Then, I will let the rod sit for a few minutes and will then go back over the rod very carefully, checking for any flaws in the finish. If necessary, will touch up any thin spots. Since the finish has not thickened a bit, it is easy to clean up those spots.

I do a final once over and assuming that all is well, then transfer to my drum dryer for overnight drying. In my case, once the rod is on the drum dryer, I can't do any more touch ups, so just let it dry.

I will carefully check the rod the next morning and about 95% of the time the rod is finished. For the few rods necessary, I will apply an additional coat for any guides where I find a problem.

As others have posted many times before, I think that applying finish quickly on a fast turning rod generally gives a quick excellent finish.

Be safe

Take a look at the way that finish is applied at the St. Croix rod factory: Time 3:41.

[www.youtube.com]

Also, note the speed of the drum dryer that St.l Croix uses on their rods for the final drying.

Be safe

Here is a factory tour of the G Loomis factory:
Note that at time 6:50 - the application of finish:

[www.youtube.com]

Also, note the use of the torch that is used to torch off any thread nubs or fuzzies. Also, near the end, note the speed of finish application and also the speed of the drum dryer.

Good luck