I'm in the process of setting up an after school program rod wrapping class at my school. I'm getting better at wrapping but I'm having some issues creating custom labels for the rods. I'd like the kids.to design their own label to be put on their rods. I have no problem creating the labels but am having some issues with keeping them to stick. I've tried smaller 3/8" and 1" labels with the same result. I've even tried the extra sticky labels.

Last night I tried a side by side test. On a small piece of rod I put two labels. On one of them...I put a little pro kote on the label and nothing on the other. This morning when I checked...the coated label was peeling off while the other was fine. (I didn't hqve the rod in a dryer but don't think it would have made a difference.)

I'm starting to think its the expoxy because I noticed the clear plastic film was the part that was coming off. I haven't had time to repear but I was wondering if there was something else I could try instead of the pro kote. Is threadmaster the same as pro kote? Is there something I might be able to apply before using the epoxy? I've tried about 5 or 6 different types of labels...its starting to get expensive! :)

Any thoughts?

Thanks...

Dave

I have never used the label maker you are talking about but did try clear mailing labels and never liked the result. I too have taught rodbuilding to students at school. It is a lot of fun. We make our own labels but use inkjet water slide paper. Students now days have computer skills we cavemen can learn from. I always have them make 2 in case one tears or does not come out right on the rod. Make sure you use a clear fixative on the decal. You can use just about any publishing software. My other biggest tip is to have students practice wrapping on 1/8" wood dowels till they figure out where there fingers,thumbs,cutting tools and pull loops go before starting to wrap the rod.

I know it means buying another label maker, but click on the custom label maker title on left side of page. Larry has a great label maker that will work for rods and any other labeling needs. Im guessing you are a teacher at that school. If so you will find many uses for their label maker. It's worth a look. MH

Correction...the title is "custom labeling system"

Try coating your labels with 2 coats of color preserver let dry then apply your pro kote. it helps seal the edges and hold the labels in place while the epoxy drys. I use Cason's crystal clear color preserver but I am sure other color preservers will work also.

I'd rather be catching!

Hi Dave,

Larry here from LRT Group. The PEARLabel label printer is a better fit for custom labeling the rods. If you want samples of our tapes, let me know.

Larry Tobin
LRT Group, Inc.
www.lrtgroup.com
larry@lrtgroup.com
954-257-6224

So you understand why the PEARLabel is a better unit, here are few reasons.

1. Brother tapes are laminated - PEARLabel do not need lamination. We use Resin Ribbon, Thinner = less expoxy needed.
2. Brother Print is 180 DPI - PEARLabel printer 270 DPI and 360 DPI
3. Brother offers a 2 year limited - PEARLabel has a Lifetime Warranty

Ask around, we have sold almost 300 PEARLabel units to the Rod Builder since 2014.

We have been selling to rod builders for over 35 years. Also offers Free software training, 7 days a week.

Larry Tobin
LRT Group, Inc.
www.lrtgroup.com
larry@lrtgroup.com
954-257-6224

Thanks for all the info guys...I have a lot to think about. I'm going to try some of the suggestions before I head out and pick up a new printer. Hoping I can make this thing work. If not...I'll definately be talking with Larry.

Just curious...what other printer options do I have? All I'm looking to do would be some text and a graphic...I'm always scoping out @#$%& for a good deal....but would prefer keeping what I have.

Thanks and have a great day!

Go with Larry. You won't be disappointed. Great product.

I don't think it's possible to find a better 'task specific' printer at the PEARLabel price point - and the service can not be beat. If you run into a problem or have a question Larry will answer it for you FAST including how to import graphics. If there is a drawback it is that the printer only does one color - no multicolor labels

Pearl is the way to go.....and you will not get better service than Larry Tobin.................