Is there any other options to use for the first coat of glue on threads besides a two part epoxy? Maybe something that dries faster and will hold the guides in place before the second coat is applied?

Thank you!
Keith

We make a color preserver that many have used for years. It is important to get a good saturating coat. Flex Coat CP is one part, water based and dries in a couple hours.

Here is a link:
[flexcoat.com]

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

Keith,
Out of curiosity, why do you want something different?

Be safe

Keith
I am not sure what is your question. When the guides are properly wrapped they do not require any first coat of "glue" before the final finish.

When the guides are in place and wrapped only one coat of thread finish is usually sufficient. These are generally two part epoxy formulations. A second coat is necessary only if the first coat is too thin or applied too thin to encapsulate the wrap.

There are other finishes, for instance some fly rod restorations may require Varnish (one part) as the the thread finish.

I have even heard instances where clear nail polish was used as a finish.

My advise is to practice on some scrap rods and choose what is best for you.

Have fun

John

To answer the question why.

I have entertained the thought of adding another person to my rod building business to help with some of the demand but I still want to have control over the final product. I am thinking about having somebody help with tying and if possible add a coat of finish that would still allow me to do the final build. 2 part epoxy is too permanent and would cause a mess if I had to make a correction.

Really just exploring possibilities before I move forward.

Thank you!
Keith

My only thought to you, never hire anyone with less talent than you have . That isn't to say less knowledge in your field, but less natural skill. There is a difference between an assembler and a craftsmen. Ive hired both over the years but never made the mistake of confusing one for the other and been pleased and amazed by both. Good luck

x10 on Paul's comments.

In the case of rod building, don't have someone do a job that they can not do perfectly.

If they can't do the job perfectly, have them practice some more until they can do the job perfectly.

It is never a good outcome to have to redo things when it comes to rod building. Yes, it can be done, but often at the expense of the rod blank - finish or in total.

Good luck

Responding to what you are trying to accomplish, the flex coat color preservative probably will meet your needs. It will sort of "set" the guides allowing you to inspect, but is not hard to remove. Guides treated with it will not move unless a significant force is applied.

The only issue I see, and I don't think it significant to your goal, is that it will preserve the color of the thread almost perfectly. If you're trying for a look where the untreated thread changes color due to the epoxy then it won't allow that.

I have used permagloss as a first (2nd or 3rd coat) and then put epoxy on top (lost patients building up 10+ coats) to get the look we all know