I was wondering how long this takes to set up before being fishable. I know it sets up pretty quick and is hard in 8 or 9 hours but is it fishable in 12?
Thanks in advance,
Ben

Ben,
Any sort of guide finish gets tack free in 24 hours with the appropriate mixing ratio, mixing technique, and curing temperatures.

However, finish continues to cure for several more days up to two weeks or so.

If you have spent a considerable amount of time and money on building a rod; why rush it. Give the rod the time that it deserves for a good long lasting permanent finish and enjoy the rods for years to come.

Take care

This normally is tack free in 8-10 hours.

Hi Ben,

Although what Roger says is the correct thing to do, sometimes I can't wait! I use the Thread Master regular finish (bought my first couple batches straight from Andy) and when I am in a hurry to use the rod I raise the temp in my finish room. I've used the rods in as little as 6 hours, but I had the temp up to 88-93°f.

As long as you are willing to accept some possible finish issues or damage (I haven't had any), the timeline you propose should be fishable.

But I would raise the heat up. I recall Tom saying that for every 18-20° over 70°, the curing time is halved.

Disclaimer: I accept no responsibility for your actions, regarding your rod! But if it were me, I'd be fishing!

Take care,

Chris

I am with Roger, I have never even taken a rod out to practice cast without waiting for at least 72 hours. Why take a chance?

If you are building a rod, I am guessing that there are another 25 rods hanging on the wall for you to use. Just use one of the other rods until the finish has set up nicely on the new build rod.

Be safe

Thanks for the input. I decided to wait. I am having an issue with my finish though. I put it on about 26 hours ago. It is hard but still slightly tacky . I have not had this happen to any of my other ones. Any ideas on what caused this?
Thanks

Ben,
Two main reasons for a finish not curing in the expected time.

1. Incorrect ratios of part A and part B.

2. Insufficient amount of mixing. I make a point to slowly mix the finish for a total of 120 seconds or two minutes, frequently wiping the sides of the craft stick used for mixing on the sides of the mixing cup, as well as scraping the sides of the mixing cup with the mixing stick so that all portions of the finish are completely mixed.

3. Insufficient heat in the curing area. The higher the temperature the better and the quicker the finish cure. General rule of thumb is to try to get the cure temperature up to about 75 or 80 degrees.

Take care

Figured out what happened:
1. I was feeling the cup not actual guides. I must have had some residue not mixed well on the edges. The rod set up fine, just a little slow.
2. It was 65 degrees which is a littler cooler than normal.
Everything ended up all right. I really appreciate all of your help.