This is a subject that has confused me for awhile.

I do not use color preserver on my wraps. When I flood my wraps with epoxy finish, it seems to automatically penetrate the threads and "fill the tunnel", as I can see some oozing out between the guide foot and the thread (hard to describe). I do nothing to explicitly fill the void between the thread and guide foot, yet it seems to be filled.

Is this sufficient?

Does the "make sure you fill the tunnel" cautions apply only to cases where the threads have been sealed with color preserver, thus preventing the epoxy from penetrating and automatically filling that void?

Thanks.

Bob

Sounds like you're doing it right. If you put the epoxy on the threads a little bit at a time you can watch it wick in and fill the tunnel even though the rest of the wrap will still be dry. If you start applying the epoxy from the open end of the tunnel first, its easy to have air end up trapped in the tunnel as you've blocked its only exit route.

If you use CP you don't get this wicking action as the CP will have sealed the thread. So you then have to try and cox it in from the open end in which case it is just about impossible to get all the air out of the tunnel.

Filling the tunnel is not manditory. I have never seen a factory rod where this was done. But filling the tunnel creates a better rod as it locks the guide foot in place by removing any room (the tunnels) in which it might slide around.

Whether you fill the tunnels or not, you MUST seal the open end of the tunnel to prevent water from penatrating the wraps.

By closeing the tunnel you prevent foreign material build up between the foot and the blank. which at a later date can cause damage to the bank by chaffeing the blank finish and rod fibers.