I am new to rodbuilding and have found this forum extremely helpful. I am trying to build a ramp on a NFC blank. First I used paste epoxy pro paste to build the ramp. I then sanded it down so it is smoother. I am trying to wrap with gold metallic thread and then finish. I start with 2 or 3 wraps and then cross over. I will then do another 5 wraps and cut with razor. It seems like it locks fine at that point but when i continue the wrap up the ramp and go to burnish the lock comes undone. What am I doing wrong?

Donald,

Metallic thread can be a little difficult to work with at times. It sounds like the "tie off end" may not be long enough, or you are not making enough wraps to seal it off. Also, when you burnish, do so in the direction of the wrap and not away from it. Going against the wrap may be pulling the thread out. There are several "You Tube" videos dealing with finishing the wrap. An excellent one involves Rod Maker Magazine with Tom Kirkman, custom wrap tie offs.

Welcome to a new addiction...

tmbain@sbcglobal.net
Benton, Ar
"NEVER GIVE UP"

Put some color preserver on it. That will relax the springy thread, You can then cut the tags after 20 minutes or so. That's the way I was taught to deal with metallic thread and it has consistently worked for me.

The poly metallics (Fuji, Justace) are easier to work with for me. They tighten-up when pulled more like conventional thread. They just handle more like thread and less like tinsel.

Donald,

Just like the salmon swimming upstream, perhaps try something different.

Rather than using metallic thread, use something different like neon non metallic thread for this particular task. I expect that it will be easy to complete.

Normally, when using metallic thread that are intermixed with non metallic thread, I like to start the metallic thread, about a dozen wraps before finishing the non metallic thread. This gives ample opportunity to have the metallic thread tag ends well captured so as to be free of coming free.

Best wishes.

I do like Charles does also. Any CP will work, preferably the same that you would be utilizing with all the guide wraps, even on NOCP style thread. After I have both ends finalized and done I CP the whole wrap. New effects and tint shading or color brightening can be done during this process also.

Flex Coat CP will usually brighten some threads.

Diamond II will darken certain types of threads like silk.

Experiment and enjoy.