Hello all. New member to the site. I’ve built about 12 rods now and feel like I’m getting most things down. One thing I’m struggling with is pulling multiple threads at once while doing a cross wrap. I’ve tried finding info on this without much luck. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of info on it, and what I have found didn’t work. Simply hoping to speed up certain parts of the process in order o save my back a little soreness.

Thanks in advance to all.

Colter

Cut the threads to length and run them through your fingers. With a little practice you will get the feel for keeping the threads level and properly aligned, with any twists coming out behind your fingers.

Don't try to do this off-the-spool. The threads need to be able to untwist a bit off their tail ends. If you try to work off the spools this becomes very difficult if not impossible.

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I have tried that method but still seem to struggle with the tangling of the threads. I usually give up and go back to one thread at a time out of frustration. Perhaps I need to just be more patient and practice it.

It does take a bit of practice. In use, I find that limiting yourself to 4 threads at a time makes things easier. You can do more, but 2, 3 or 4 seems to be within the realm of most people's abilities at the outset.

Here's another tip - when you have cut your threads and have them in your fingers' grasp, use your other hand to run down the threads behind your fingers and stroke out some of the initial twist.

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get yourself to one of the NERBS gatherings with Billy Vivona and learn the process...

That would be an amazing experience. I live in Idaho, and there aren’t many rod builders anywhere near me, especially when you’re talking advanced techniques. I’ve taught myself from videos and reading this forum, which has been rewarding but difficult. Really would be nice to have a professional nearby.

Also, spent some time last night trying what Tom suggested and was very patient. Turns out it does work pretty well when I don’t get frustrated and just go back to single threads. Thanks for the advice! I’ll have to post some pictures of some of my wraps on here.

Colter, i think teaching yourself is the best part of the process..your mind is more open and youl be amazed by the things you "stumble " upon..lol.