Looking for something different yet subtle for my thread wraps, I started looking for a method to texture my wraps from underneath. I experimented with FG drywall tape, household window screening and a few others and I’m certain that I was not the first to do so. The results were quite pleasing with a slight texture to the wrap which I think offered a very subtle dimension to an otherwise common smooth surface. Looking for different underlying materials to utilize, I asked my friend who owns a sign shop if there might be any perforated “sign vinyl” and indeed there was. This perforated sign vinyl is used to cover windows yet one can see through it; most common uses are on city buses where it is difficult to see in but easy to see out. The perforations are ~.060in diameter and spaced about the same and has an adhesive backing = easy to use. At ~.006in thick, it will admittedly add some weight, but so little is needed to not be overly heavy to upset performance, especially if used in the lower half of the rod.
I just wanted to pass along a discovery to those who might be interested. Please find the attached links if you care to do so. These were wrapped on my test blank and there are 3 “perforated” wraps between some rather obnoxious colored fade wraps (I don’t know which colors may look good together until actually wrapping them). The wine-colored one on the left is wrapped with Gudebrod nylon E (the only regular I own) and the gold and brown are ProWrap NCP-A.
While certainly not expected for everyone, maybe someone can benefit.
[www.rodbuilding.org]
[www.rodbuilding.org]

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

There was an article on this about 10 years ago in RodMaker featuring a host of items that can be used under the shrink tubing. You're correct - it's an easy and different way to utilize shrink tubing, not just for looks but for function as well.

............

Thanks Tom. I’m sorry if I explained my finding inadequately. This is not shrink tubing but rather quite available “sign vinyl”; perforated flat sheets with an adhesive backing. After the perforated vinyl is applied to the blank, the thread is wrapped over the vinyl and consequently the thread follows the contours created by the (perforation) holes producing small, uniform divots in the thread wrap. If it is a guide wrap, the guide is mounted between the base perforated vinyl and the thread. The end result will look like a typical thread wrap at first glance but closer inspection reveals the divot pattern from underneath. Excuse me for any confusion.

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

No problem. Looks like a good technique. Reminds me a little of the 2nd part of this library article but using a different medium. There is so much stuff you can do in rod building if you think outside the box. - [www.rodbuilding.org]

............



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/01/2022 07:50PM by Tom Kirkman.

Tom,
Thanks for providing the link to “Texturizing Grips and Wraps”; I assume it is the same RodMaker article you referred to earlier. It was an interesting and informative read. That is the effect I was looking for but rather for over wrapping with thread rather than shrink tubing.
With the exception of the layout time required for the thread cross wraps, the shrink tube method should be fairly quick and simple. But, again, I’m wrapping over with thread. I found it difficult, if not a bit aggravating, to TRY to keep the wrapping thread packed nicely when applied over a base thread diamond, FG drywall tape, window screening and other mediums experimented with. The perforated sign vinyl is smooth enough to allow manipulation of the wrapping thread yet soft enough to securely hold it once in place. With the adhesive backing, just cut the width required, apply it around the blank, cut it off where it meets the starting point, and you’re done = quick and simple to apply and quick and simple to wrap over with thread! Although the ultimate texture may not be quite as pronounced as with an underlayment of thread or drywall tape, nonetheless it is still very visible yet in a more subtle nature = preferred by me anyway.

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

No, not the same article. This was an earlier one.

.........

Hi Mark & Tom.

I can't find anything on what you are talking about, but all these articles are interesting.

15/1 Inlays Using Gold Wire. By Tom Kirkman. 14
17/1 Foil, Crinkled Technique. By Dwayne Talbot. 14
19/4 Faux Finish Evolution. 22
25/2 Creative Modifications By Tom Kirkman 12
22/1 Creative Rod Crafting (Part One). By Nuno Paulina. 14
22/2 Creative Rod Crafting (Part Two). By Nuno Paulina. 14
11/3 Custom (How Custom Are Your Rods?). 10
14/1 Blanks: Hydro Printing The Ultimate Custom Blank Coating. By Tom Kirkman. 22
2/3 Feature: Instead Of Diamonds, Think Triangles. By Buddy Owens. 22
14/1 Feature: Craquele! By Marco Antonio da Silva. 10
14/3 Feature: Easy Free-Form Wrapping. By Tom Kirkman. 22
18/5 Feature: Cord Under Glass. By Tom Kirkman. 16
15/6 Corded Tennessee By Tom Kirkman. 22
17/1 Coins & Pens, Affixing. By Tom Kirkman. 18

Tom, if you remember what the name is I can look again, I don' have anything on “Texturizing Grips and Wraps (none of the 1st-2nd volumes).


Hope you find what you are looking for, keep us informed.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2022 01:59PM by Robert A. Guist.

It was about using shrink tubing. But Mark's technique doesn't require that so it's probably a mute point.

...........

Robert,
Yet again you have come through; your “indexing” of RodMaker articles is a valued asset!!! I think it is safe to say that ALL OF US thank you for all of your time and effort and taking it upon yourself to produce such. Tom should consider compensating for your list and publish it; it might even spark sales of back-issues. Thank you again for an appreciated job well done!!!
With the lack of other replies, I may be the only one who sees any possibilities or benefits of the technique. But then, I’ve already recognized that it may not be for everyone.

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

Hello Mark.

I have done a lot of weird stuff on rods, once I took some fine cord (real fine-just larger than "E") and glued it on a blank into a pattern (like a rose) and then wrapped it with "A" or even silk thread.

The patterns are faint but they are there.

There are many things you can do using that basic technique, and there many off the wall techniques out there, and at some point MOST have been done by someone.

Keep playing with it Mark, you will have some fun exploring what you can do and wat you can't.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

It's a variation of the JT Dragonscale wrap. (Jim Trelikes)

Robert,
You are so correct; exploring different ideas, venues, methods and materials is really what rod building is all about, at least in my book. Being a habitual over-thinker and fabricator of many different mediums, rod building has afforded me with a venue to really think outside-the-box and utilize knowledge gained in the previous years and experiences of my life. Although quite a few of my rod building ideas may have initially seemed like a brain-storm, many have turned-out to be brain-flatulence. Nonetheless, it is invigorating to investigate and explore a virtually endless plethora of options.

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

Gottfried was the first to either do, or publish, the textured thread wrap.

..........

Totally forgot about Gottfried! LOL Where might I read more about this individual? Never mind, I found him, somehow I knew just where to look.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2022 09:29PM by Lynn Behler.

Lynn,
Please share!

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

His article was published in 1998, quite a few years before anyone else had shown, photographed or mentioned the technique. Hard to argue with actual dated, printed material.


..................

Mark Talmo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Robert,
> .... Thank you again for an appreciated job well done!!!

I second Mark's remarks...markedly.

Mark, it's in the library above, texturizing grips or wraps. Not actually the JT dragonscale mentioned, but the same principal.