How do they do those neat little epoxy ramps like on the glx and nrx rods? Do they just shave down a winding check and wrap up onto it then epoxy over it?

I have formed ramps by wrapping a taper of tying thread around the blank before applying epoxy, sometimes using contrasting thread to create trim bands. The resulting ramp is nearly identical in appearance to the guide wrappings.

Hello Andrew.

I make a lot of ramps, and I do it by lifting the tip of the rod just a little over level mix my epoxy and wait for it to thicken until it hits the molasses stage then lay it on thick, it sometimes takes a couple of coats.
Some folk's wet their finger with a little DNA and shape the ramp to make it look just the way they want it.

Tight Wraps & Bent Rods.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

I'll allow my epoxy to thicken slightly and then shape it using DNA on my fingers. Occasionally I'll use Devcon 5min epoxy but you have to work very quicly as it sets up fast. I also wrap my ramps when the epoxy is still slightly tacky. That helps keep the thread from sliding to the smallest area of the taper. Just make sure your blank is centered while turning and you don't over apply finger pressure when shaping.......remember you are typically applying a thread wrap and then a finish coat or 2 so don't build your ramp even with your reel seat or grip......

Hello sandy.

I do not wrap my ramps if I want thread on them I put it on before building the ramp. I have embedded objects in my ramps (feathers, coins, lures....).
I personally do not shape my ramps to get a smooth nice taper on my ramps I lift the tip of the rod a little so the epoxy backs up to the front grip and tapers smoothly toward the tip.
On some rods I actually load the epoxy over the first 1/4" of the EVA front grip, and on some big rods I extend the epoxy 1" or more up the front of the EVA grip.


Tight Wraps & Bent Rods.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Hi Andrew,

U-40 Quik Bond, color matched to the rod with marbling pigment or Pearl Ex powders (my favorite).

Rotate the rod with your finishing motor; I rotate mine at 36 rpm for this application. As others have mentioned, raise the tip end a couple inches higher than the butt end. The Quick Bond starts to set up 10-15 minutes after mixing, depending on temp, so I like to put it on the rod and get it rotating around the 6-7 minute mark.

As the rod rotates, I dip my gloved finger into isopropyl alcohol, and use it to create the required shape.

Plenty of practice, and you will end up with a perfect ramp. However, if you need to do some sanding after it dries, do it and then put a thin coat of finish over to bring back the shine. Or wrap with thread and finish, if that's what you need.

Take care,

Chris

I have only made a couple of ramps, but I do as Chris. After curing I mix up my epoxy and do a little marbling. Very easy and looks good.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio