What is the proper procedure when doing a double or underwrap.

Does the base wrap need to be supertight or finished first with at least CP in order for the guide wraps to sit on top of base wraps nice and neat ?

I practiced a bit on a old blank and found the thinner thread I used on the top guide wrap seemed to want to dig in and seperate the base wrap threads.


Any insight will be welcome Happy wrapping "John"

I try to use A for underwraps and C or D for overwraps. Make sure the underwrap is packed tight and CP does help. I know some people on SW rods will put a very light coat of finsh on the underwraps and then when it is dry put the overwraps on and coat the whole thing.

I think using A thread is really key!

While it is always important to wrap the threads tightly, the key to underwraps is the finish. Use CP if you want. Put a thin coat of finish on the underwrap and let it cure for a couple of days before you wrap the guides on. In addition to providing a smooth surface to wrap over the finish keeps everything (water, fish parts, etc.) from contaminating the underwrap. Since you don't have to be concerned about the wrap threads digging into the underwrap you can wrap guides with A thread which is stronger and less bulky than C or D.

Hugh Miller

John, I don't do an over wrap of A on top of an A underwrap regulary but I have found that wrapping the underwrap a 'tad' tighter and loosening up on the overwrap a 'tad' helps.

Are you pushing the underwrap threads tightly together and burnishing before you overwrap? Should be no gaps.

I also found it more difficult to get a good thread lay if I use CP on the underwrap first. It seemed to make the ridges in the thread hard and affected ability to burnish the overwrap.

Thanks a bunch everyone! Im going to build an 8 or 9wt this winter and am trying to get a good system that works for me. I'll try it a few ways and see what works for me. all the suggestions were good and proved Im not doing somthing right.

"John"

John,

You should be able to do a fly rod without underwraps. Make sure you prep the guide feet properly and wrap once to save the weight. If you are using single foot guides add the locking wrap that has been described here before. If you are adding the underwrap for decorative purposes, consider using narrow trim bands of another color.

I should have asked what type of rod. Like Mike said above, you don't need to underwrap flyrod guides unless it just trips your trigger to do so.

Thanks guys ,

I normally dont under wrap on my fly rods. I was under the impression that in 8wt and heavier underwrapping was good protection for the blank especially if used in salt water?

"John"