Hi:

I'm kind of new to this rod building stuff; only been doing it for about a year - off and on. I seem to always have a problem filling that little space at the end of the guide foot on the ring side with finish. I think that's referred to as the "tunnel". Either I'll put too much down causing a big bulge of epoxy to dry and/or sometimes with the smaller concept guides, causing epoxy to run up the legs on to the ring. Or, not enough epoxy to where I have to go back after it dries and reapply. I can't seem to get a nice even edge around the blank on that side of the guide if I have to reapply. Anybody have any tips for a rookie. I saw a video somewhere where the guy used a toothpick to let epoxy just wick into that space. Is that a good method?

Help!

Thanks.

- R

Yep, and that same toothpick can remove small amounts of excess finish, as can a piece of thread held against the excess finish.

Rob.
Before you apply thread finish to ANYTHING - use a very thin diameter stylus or knitting needle or a blunt darning needle and put a drop of finish on both sides (left and right) of the guide tunnel. Proceed to other tunnels and do the same. Keep the entrance to the tunnel filled (bulging with finish) until the finish wicks to the end of the guide foot. have patience - takes a long time.
Then take a 15" of WAX FREE dental floss - thread it under the ring and wipe off the excess finish.
Then proceed to apply finish to entire wrap.
Herb

Someday's I'm just not steady enough with a tooth pick, LOL These can work nicely, And their cheap. fine-tip-plastic-disposable-pipettes = [www.aromatools.com]

Rob,
I have never had an issue with filling the tunnels.

I apply finish at a relatively high speed to get enough finish on the guide and thread to be sure that everything is well coated.

Then, I go back each and every thread and guide with my bright light and magnifier and my heat gun. I use gentle heat on the finish so that the finish is nearly as thin as water. The thin finish flows into the tunnel and every where it is needed to level itself. I dab off any excess with the brush and move on.

I expect that the reason that the finish is not flowing into the tunnel is because it is too thick.

As Mr. Kirkman has said many times before. Do not spend a lot of time brushing the finish after applying. If the finish is the right thickness or viscosity, the finish will nicely flow where it is needed with no help with a brush or spatula.

Good luck

Thanks guys! I’ll try your suggestions next build.


-R

there is a lot of ways to fill the holes in the wrap, tooth pick is the cheappset way I think , but if you use the PIPETTES method you can get then cheaper the the BIG BOX STORE on the web with PRIME ,

William Sidney
AK

Or, just sharpen the handle end of a plastic finishing brush in a pencil sharpener.
The longer length (we use Flex Coat brushes) makes it easier to handle.
Just dip into the finish and dab on each side of the tunnel.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Herb Ladenheim Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Rob.
> Before you apply thread finish to ANYTHING - use a
> very thin diameter stylus or knitting needle or a
> blunt darning needle and put a drop of finish on
> both sides (left and right) of the guide tunnel.
> Proceed to other tunnels and do the same. Keep
> the entrance to the tunnel filled (bulging with
> finish) until the finish wicks to the end of the
> guide foot. have patience - takes a long time.
> Then take a 15" of WAX FREE dental floss - thread
> it under the ring and wipe off the excess finish.
> Then proceed to apply finish to entire wrap.
> Herb

Can you expand on or restate this. I'm having trouble imagining what you're saying, and it sounds like something I would like to try.