I am about to start a new build on a Med L . bare carbon blank. I am wondering does the slight ridges of the bare carbon create any issues with keeping threads tight together. I was wondering if I should lightly sand the area I am planning on wrapping and would that compromise the integrity of the rod at all. Are these better suited for color epoxy designs. Or should I just use a larger thread. Thanks for any input.

I've never had any issue wrapping in the usual fashion on blanks with ridges. Do it your usual way, and if you think it looks funny, cut it off and try something else. Light sanding probably won't hurt, but I don't think it is necessary and you have to be very careful.

I don't think it'll bother you at all. I wouldn't sand anything until I was sure I needed to. Try a wrap or two and see what you think.

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there are many ugly sticks out there..i never heard any complaints or experienced any problems with those i built..just like wrapping any other rod.

Mike,
I have not wrapped a blank with ridges so I cannot really give you an experienced reply. However, I have had minor issues with wrapping guides which have feet with “fluted” or “barbed” edges (to resist pull-out); the thread has a tendency to slide away from the rest of the wrap on the “downhill” side of the bumps in the foot yet automatically packs nicely on the “uphill” side. This leaves the completed wrap looking inconsistently packed and burnishing does not always correct and blend the gaps. If such occurs, backing off the thread tension and continual packing while wrapping helps immensely.

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

Thanks for the replies. Good idea on doing a test section Tom.

Mike,
Can you take and post a close up picture of the blank.

For myself, if there is anything over a bare blank that is not part of the structure of the blank, I would sand it off and after polishing the blank build the rod.

But, in your case, the ridges may be part of the structure of the blank and should not be touched.

Be safe

I did a couple test wraps with size A thread and it was good. The rod is a Phenix blank 6'9"MF. Its nice and has great feel its the first blank Ive done that is the bare carbon finish. Right now the plan is a split grip with tiger wrap above the fore grip. Thanks guys for the info and suggestions.

Yeah, a lot of talk about the ridges, a lot of blanks have had them before without the fuss. I believe Scott fly rods are that way still, my Dan Craft Sig V 10 wt. the same, my Lamiglas Flame Tip plug rod, others already listed.