I've read nearly every post and watched several videos about abalone inlays, and am ready to take a give one a try. I'm going to put this under a Fuji NS7 reel plate to help hide any first timer flaws I'm sure to have, but I have a question. After removing the sacrificial thread used to hold things in place after cooling, should I secure (wrap) the ends prior to applying a coat of epoxy over the abalone, or will I be okay to apply the epoxy over the abalone, wrap the reel seat, then epoxy the wraps?
Thanks in advance for any input!

Sounds like you have the thick abalone. Wait till it's set and check it for any "pops" or hard edges. Might be better to get a thin coat of finish on it first to make it easier for your thread to walk up and down.

Having used a bunch of abalone, I find that if I wrap my sacrificial thread tight, the edges blend, and any small cracks get pulled tight to the adhesive and also blend in.

I don't think you will need to coat the abalone if your sacrificial wrap is good and snug and let it sit until the shell has cooled well.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

As above Abalone rolled on Blank the then coated with a layer of Epoxy, Then mounted the seat and Coated the Wraps

(photo was before Epoxy)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/17/2017 01:05AM by Barry Thomas Sr.

After you put the abalone on the rod , I use a flat cord to wrap tight around the abalone, put some heat on it then remove, any marks will disappear with a coat of epoxy. I like to put a few wraps of A thread in front(not on the abalone) the abalone will stay put and yes I find it easier to put one coat if epoxy on, then wrap. Also note that some glue may push out use a toothpick to remove this be for you epoxy. Good luck.