My guide wraps tend to be on the more intricate, involved side and generally of softer, muted colors. I rarely use metallic thread. However, when replacing a guide for a customer, I purchased a spool of ProWrap metallic twist thread to match the three-turn spiral inlay theme of the rod. The metallic twist was a nightmare to work with as jumped off the spool in coils and got caught on the tensioner. I ended up having to cut lengths and add the metallic twist thread by holding it between my fingers rather than feed it from the spool. Do all of you experience the same? What do you do to combat the problem?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I have had similar experiences with that thread, which is the worst of the metallics I've tried. I use it only for trim and feed it like you did. I take care to keep it on the spool and tape it down after cutting it to the short 1-1/2 foot lengths I need/

I have not tried Fuji or Alps metallics yet, but I'd say they are worth a try. I like the Fuji polyester threads do I'll probably try their product next. Gudebrod was a little troublesome but nothing like the Pro Wrap.

Anyone with experience with Alps or Fuji metallics?

Had that problem yesterday, just used individual pieces for the inlays. I was surprised when it jumped off the spool.

That's the reason I use Sulky metallic embroidery thread

Thanks for the replies from Michael, David and Spencer. If I understand correctly, Sulky is a non-treated thread which requires CP. I typically avoid CP. While I would certainly not wish any wrapping difficulties on anyone, it is a bit comforting to learn I am not the only one experiencing difficulties with metallic twist thread. Hopefully others will add their experiences and solutions as well.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I combatted the problem by throwing out all Pro Wrap metallic thread I owned. I still like Sulky the best.

Michael, I have used the Alps metallic .... it too springs off the spool, but that isn't really a problem for me as I've always just cut off a length that will be more than what I need, and tape the the spool with the Pro Wrap metallic that I normally use.

I will say that I prefer the Alps metallic over the Pro Wrap for one specific reason. It doesn't seem to shed as easily when pulling it under thread wraps. I've only used it once thus far, so experience with it is limited to say the least, but I wrap with pretty high thread tension and am usually pulling my tags under 6-8 threads. I didn't have it shed its skin on any of the 13 trim bands I used the gray and it has a more subtle shimmer to it than the Pro Wrap metallic. Not a bright metallic. At least not the color I used. I'm going to try more of it, that's for sure.

I picked it up from Rougarou Rods, there on the left.

Recently wrapped a rod with the Heitna metallic thread. It seemed to work just like any other thread. It was under tension the whole time so if there were problems as noted above, I didn't notice them.

I use Robinson one color metallic thread and have never had any problems. It seems a little thinner than A and has a very round profile.Like Ed Kramer, I had a chance to do a couple of trim wraps with Hitena's new metallic and had no issues.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

Agreed, with tension on the thread I have no issues but as soon as it is cut, BOING!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark Talmo Wrote:
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> Agreed, with tension on the thread I have no
> issues but as soon as it is cut, BOING!

I've learned to lock it in to the groove on the edge of the spool before cutting. Had to untangle too many springs in the past. Ordering some Silky this week to try.

10-4 on Erics comment.

Any time that I am not using the thread, I pull the thread end on the spool into the groove on the edge of the spool. No need for tape.

Also, when taking thread off of the spool, I keep my fingers on the spool and the thread under tension for the length of thread that I will use for trim. Then, I pull the thread into the groove on the spool and with the thread captured in the groove on the side of the spool, cut off the thread length.

Good luck

Thank you for all the replies. While my feeble attempt may not have precisely described my difficulties adequately, I will put that spool of metallic twist in a separate section labeled “Add $50.00 to the build!!! Joking (but not really) aside, metallic twist thread seems as though to be problematic to many other than myself. Maybe it is more prone or inherent to certain brands. None the less, I will avoid it like the plague until I grow up.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I have not really had any problems with any metallic thread, including ProWrap. I wrap by hand, I move the rod rather than me, and apply tension to the thread rather than the spool. I use metallic thread only for trim and inlays, and like the effect. I know I wrap differently then most rod builders, but that is just me.
Norm

Hey Mark,
I love Metallic thread and I will always pull off a bunch and run it thru my fingers and spool it back on the spool before using it. Will solve your problem.
Rick

Pro wrap metallic is tough.. As mentioned, slipping it into the groove works best from a wrapper, i usually use it in a bodkin, the weight of the spool is enough to keep it from uncoiling, plus you can add and drop it with ease.. You can jse the bodkin as a psudo tentioner too, let the spool rest off the edge of the table.. Or let the tip rest on the blank and spin.. I prefer to keep it in hand.. Caution on the bodkin, dont use a cheap one.. It can delaminate the metallic on you.. Cutting pieces for inlays is truly the best solution though.... I will add this too.. The prowrap premium metallic is nice to work with.. Reminds me of hitena stretch wrap a bit.. Its just weird to have a stretchy metallic...

Thanks to all. Maybe I 'll try an extra beer before going to bed to subdue the nightmares.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Just tied a rod up, forgot how that metallic acts... What a mess.. Just made me think of you lol