I'd like some advice on turning the rod on a motorized turner while applying LS Supreme. I've had mixed results getting an even coat, especially by the guide feet where the brush runs up and over. Would it be better to apply finish while hand turning then put it on the motor? Thanks for your help.

I made a foot switch for my drying motor using a plastic electrical box and a momentary switch from Lowe's hardware. Put the finish on with rod turning and stop it for touch-ups at guide feet, tunnels, and dry spots. A toggle switch is also mounted on the box to switch to continuous turning for drying. Total cost about $5.00.
Lynn

I apply and rotate the rod by hand, then once I am satisfied that everything is in place I will put the rod in my dryer-turner thingamabob. I keep an eye on it for the first hour though. Dust and bugs and dry areas can develop and if you catch them early enough you can fix them.

I do exactly what mike does on the larger stuff with underwraps. On the small rods, where the wrap is say less than 1 cm or so, I apply while it is rotating.

Lynn,
How did you make the connection between the momentary switch and
the toggle switch to be able to turn off and on for continuous running. Thanks,
Sanford Hochman

Just put the switches in parallel.

I start with rod on dryer not rotating. Take a toothpick and apply finish around guidefoot area and a little down each side (used to always get a dry spot on the back side of the guidefoot while rotating). I then start the rotation. I apply a blob of finish to each wrap very quickly down the blank. This allows time for saturation and surprising amount of leveling. Then I go back to the first one and using a painters knife (pie server shaped) I place the portion of the knife that is the same width of the wrap flat on the surface, this will almost perfectly distribute and level the finish. On the first coat of finish, after threads are saturated, I try to scrap off as much finish as possible, you will be amazed at how "little" finish will cover the threads and level. Usually all that is left uncovered after that first application is the edges of the wraps and the slopes of the guide feet.
Basically, technique is developed on an individual basis. I have been building for 6 years and just recently feel "good" about my finish jobs. I almost gave up rodbuilding because I could wrap and inlay a beautiful rod, only to ruin it with a lumpy and wavy finish job. Be patient, find a technique you like and stick with it.

Recently started using the 40 rpm motor from allelectronics put a push button switch in the line this motor can easily be turned in one direction by hand for touch up and close work