My first couple of rods, I really packed the threads together tighly, and have honestly had no problems.

Since I'm working with black blanks and black thread, I've recently not been packing my threat as tightly. Seems to me that the epoxy penetrates the thread a little better, and that the guides are perhaps better bonded to the blank. (I'm not using color preserver on these rods) Also, it seems that I can flame my wraps for a lighter finish, with no ill effects.

Does this sound right to you?

Of course, I understand if you have contrasting colors you HAVE to pack your thread tightly to assure solid color, without see-through.

Thanks in advnace.

TH

Tony: I always pack the threads as tight as I can on the guides. I also use size "A" thread for the underwraps and overwraps. Before putting on the overwraps, I apply a thin coat or two of finish to the whole underwrap. I like the look of the overwrap better with tightly packed threads. To me, they look like tape. John

If your not getting good pentreatration on tigh wraps then you need to be useing thinner finish, or just try working the finish in better.. Thanks Dave

Dave and John,

Thanks for the replies!

On my very first rod with super-packed wraps, I put on a very thin, flamed coat of epoxy, and I ended up having to put on a second coat.

On my latest rod, same blank, with less-packed wraps, I only put on a very thin, flamed coat of epoxy, and it worked very well.

In theory, it SEEMS that a slightly looser pack will allow more epoxy in around the threads, making for a better bond, and less need for build up.

Does this sound correct?

TH

P.S. The wraps look the same on the two rods, as far as I can tell.

If you wrap it too tight, its hard to pack - if you wrap it too loose its hard to keep the wrap together.

I use flexcoat and "flame it" like you do. On most of the two part epoxy finishes temp is the most critical element in getting penetration. I have never had any problems with penetration with the mix at the right temperature. If your coating is to cool [hard to mix is a dead giveaway] then it wont penetrate as well - if it is to hot [to much hardner] it runs and requires second coats. And anytime you get into second coats you are more likely to lose the entire wrap on the rod and have to refinish, rewrap, etc.

If i know I am going to being coating rods, I set the bottles prior to mixing in a location that is safe but warms it up in the winter. This is because I do alot of coating in my garage. GEt the picture?

I would practice on a few scraps until I got the hang of it - its tough to be re wrapping all the time.

good luck!!