A problem I run into when doing thread art on my rods is that the threads become loose towards the ends of the wrap in both direction and in completing the wrap. The thread tension seems to be good at first but as I add more thread, to the pattern, it falls apart until the thread starts to bunch up. It occurs at both ends. I am using more layers of masking tap on the butt end of the wrap than on the tip end of the wrap.

Any suggestions on how to prevent this from occurring or as to what I am doing wrong so that I can adjust my technique?

Thanks

Sam

I experience the same problem, so I run my wrap a couple pattern repeats longer than I actually want it to be. Then tie down the wrap before I get to the troublesome repeats.

Pesco Ergo Sum

what type of thread art wrap are you doing that would help get you the right answers

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Wi.

Skip the masking tape. Use the thin double sided tape. Your pattern is most likley sliding up or down the blank. Butt wraps?
Tape a popsicle stick at each end (grip and tip), a turn of the two sided tape and you're good to go. Add another tape turn after so many passes. Cut through your tape bands on top of the popsicle stick to remove your waste

One of my biggest issues is having the thread lose tension the further i move away from where i started and i'm talking just regular guide wrapping in general , instead of snipping the excess after starting the wrap i tape the excess past where the guide wrap ends which helps snug the tension up at the start of the wrap .

I know probably the wrong way but haven't found a better way yet.

I am doing fairly standard cross wraps. I am copying various patterns from Dale Clemens' book "Custom Rod Thread Art" and other patterns I can get off the internet. the patterns have as few as 40 cross overs and as many as 96.

Sam

THe only problem with using those resources is you don't have someone who can help when you run into a problem like this

Yes, that is very true. I have been teaching myself this craft of rod building and thread art as I go along. Getting better but I know there are tricks of the trade that kind make it quicker and results more pleasing.

When I do a cross wrap I will cut three or four lengths of thread, Tape them to the but section then warp all four at once up the rod. When I get to about 1/2' beyond where I want the pattern to end, I continue around the rod to the opposite side and wrap down the rod, then tape the thread at the but section. Grab the next three or four threads and repeat until pattern is done. I can normally do a cross wrap using this method in about 30 minutes or so, not that I am in a hurry building is a way for me to relax, but one thread at a time can get boring.

Anyway, I'm sure there are other ways to do the same thing, this is just the way that works for me.