Hello All!
Just wondering what the pluses and minuses of applying finish at higher speeds are. I'm still a rookie(on my 17th rod) and have had pretty good success with finish on most of them, but I've read many posts and watched many videos on high speed application, and thinking about giving it a try. Logic dictates that I should stick to what I know works, but...
As always, your input is invaluable!

I forgot to mention...higher speed than the 9 RPM dryer I have from CRB or on my AmTack PW.

Ralph O'Quinn was an advocate of application speed of about 200 RPM. With a spatula, of course.

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Higher speed = faster application and sharper, cleaner edges.

I've tried higher speeds, around 60 rpm, but did not feel confident I was filling the tunnels adequately. I expect that those who use higher speeds do a two stage application, one stage being filling the tunnels and the guide feet detailing, and second, high speed application to the rest of the wrap. But not sure, would appreciate comments from high speed applicators.

I apply at 200 RPM, and with the slip clutch there is no issue with stopping the rod during the application process to address the tunnels

Ron Weber

Paul

Honestly, I can't imagine applying finish any slower than 200 rpm on most of the rods we build at our shop. Our FM200 is the same set up that we sell to the leading USA rod manufacturers with our OEM Drums. Our 200 rpm motor is USA made and assembled in Driftwood, Texas. Our slip clutch is the original precision milled brass that is guaranteed to spin true and is adjustable for the lightest of touch.

Here is a video that we put out a few years ago that shows how we do it:
[flexcoat.com]

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

John, very nice video, as is usual for Flex Coat. thanks

If you finish under power, the Flex Coat clutch is an exceptionally nice feature to have.

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Thanks for all the input. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow...I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again!

I see people saying it's easier to get clean edge , what exactly does that mean , how is it easier and would you say it's harder to get an edge by turning by hand ?

I'm with Ron and John, I use my CPW so it's just va guess on my part what speed I'm using, but I don't think I'm that far off.

X 2 On Ron Weber's comment

Paul,
If you have a power wrapper that you use to wrap rods, it is wonderful to use to apply finish.

As you finish your rod wrap, do your final guide alignment and check and put the rod back on the wrapper and apply your finish.

To keep finish off of the wrapper bed, I do use cardboard to fit between the rod rests to avoid finish being dripped onto the wrapper bed.

Other than that, turn on the wrapper and using your foot pedal vary the speed to apply the finish. Go as fast or as slow as you wish including stopping the rod for tunnel and other work where the rod needs to be halted.

You can apply finish from 0 to the fastest speed that your wrapper will turn if you should so choose.

I find comfortable to apply finish at most speeds between about 20 and 200 rpm.

Incidentally, when I wrap, I have the top of the blank rotating toward me since the thread is behind the wrapper bed and blank. But, to do a better job of applying finish, I prefer to have the top of the blank rotating away from me. That way the loaded bristles of the finish brush is pointing away from me to allow for a nice even finish application, with good feel and finish flow.

Best of luck

I did just what you suggested, Roger...before I read your post! Definitely easier to apply at the faster speeds, with nice lines and a thin coat without the need to let it sag and wick away the excess. Looking forward to my next finish!
Thanks again for all the input!