Hi everyone,

I’m sorry if this is a redundant question, but I can’t find any threads relating to this issue without the use of power tools.

I am struggling with jagged or wavy edges on my epoxy finish. Where the thread meets the blank on both sides of the wrap I am struggling to get even lines. I have seen suggestions regarding the use of high rpms when applying epoxy and alcohol soaked paper towels or coffee filters for detailing but what can those of us do who don’t have power wrappers or lathes set up for finishing?

My lathe is too small to chuck a rod into and the only other thing I have is a slow rod turner for when my epoxy is drying. I normally apply my epoxy on the rod turner while it’s on and rotating.

The best method I've found to accomplish good even lines at the edges is to take the rod into my hands and rotate it with one hand while applying the finish. Thinking about it , it seems unlikely to work. But I do it and it works pretty well. Then put it into the curing "station" whether it be power or manual (manual = manually rotate every 10-15 minutes until it doesn't need it).

Hello Al & Michael.

Why don't you just tape it, epoxy it and then remove the tape?


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Two words, hand steady.

...and hold your breath. Brace your paint hand on the rod stand or the blank.

Al,
Admittedly, I use a variable speed rod lathe (at about 50 RPM) which eliminates ~90% of the difficulties you are experiencing with an inconsistent epoxy edge. But I also insist on employing a Flex Coat slip clutch (for thread wrapping as well) which not only allows me to stop the rotation of the blank without stopping the motor, but also accepts virtually any diameter rod butt / butt grip / butt cap = an INVALUABLE tool!!! The OD of the FC slip clutch input shaft is .0625in which should be able to fit in almost any chuck.
Spencer and Mark B. offer sound advice although some people have steadier hands than others. While Robert’s suggestion of employing tape as a straight-edge will accomplish such, the tape would have to be removed immediately after the (fresh) epoxy application to hopefully minimize the surface tension which may hinder the very edge from flowing-out without being abrupt or “squared-off”.
Something which I recently learned may be the answer to your dilemma; it involves the use of a small semi-pointed spatula rather than a brush. While the video employed a power wrapper, I see no reason that rotating by hand could not be employed. Although I learned to, and have always used, a brush, I was very impressed with the spatula method and have been waiting for an opportunity to test it for myself. Epoxy was applied to the thread wrap, but just to the edge = not over. The wet (but not dripping) spatula was then rotated 90* and the edge of the blade rested on the blank and guided against the edge of the wrap. Capillary action automatically wicked some of the epoxy covering the wrap onto the blade and consequently onto the blank as well, but only the width of the blade (+ a very small amount). Not only was the end result a perfectly straight epoxy edge (as straight as the thread wrap anyway), but additionally each overlap of epoxy onto the blank was consistent all the way down the rod. Very cool method which I am eager to try. I hope it may help you.

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

Three minute mark - [www.youtube.com]

Use a wood block or whatever if you need something to steady your hand.

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

Thanks everyone for the responses. This community makes easy work out of my struggles in this hobby!

Al,
The biggest help for you to have steady lines is for you to make a hand rest that will allow you to rest your hand in the perfect position to be - while holding a brush filled with finish.

If the hand/arm rest is in the right position, you simply have to hold the brush still and then rotate the rod with the other hand and you will have clean straight lines on the rod.

Many many different arm/wrist rests on the market.
Perhaps one like this one would work for you when applying finish:

[www.amazon.com]

You really just want a way to have your arm/wrist/hand in line with your rod, so that you can simply keep the hand steady and at the right angle for the finish to flow nicely off the brush onto the rod blank.



Best wishes.

Al,
You indicate that you have a lathe.
Can you post a picture of it?

It is not that difficult to construct a variable speed power source for turning your rod.

At the end of the day, the variable speed lathe that would be able to vary speed from 0 - to 100 rpm would completely solve your issues.

It is simple to have a chuck would accommodate a rear rod grip.

Best wishes

Al,
If you want an inexpensive rod turner, just pick up a used cordless drill and hook up a variable voltage power supply to it to create a variable speed power source and then insert an appropriate chuck into the drill chuck, mount the drill in a stand and you are set.

Best wishes.