[Bajema]

The kit showed up yesterday, so I started making some practice wraps today. Here's number one.

I can see that I'll need to file the guide feet a bit before wrapping for real, but as far as practicing goes, so far so good!

 

[Rob Ast]

Looks good. I would make the wraps much shorter - just a few wraps beyond the end of the foot.

 

[Bajema]

Looks good. I would make the wraps much shorter - just a few wraps beyond the end of the foot.

Will do. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Bajema]

Take two.

 

[Flyguy65]

Looks pretty good, still need to file the feet more. I make mine into a "knife point" basically like a pointed arrow shape. The thread climbs on easy for a smooth transition.

 

[Bajema]

Any pointers on filing the guides?

 

[phuck this]

Dremel!

 

[coastrider]

I just buy good quality guides from a known source and rarely have to file the feet. Great job on your first wraps. Ive built several rods and it is a blast, got another 5 blanks on order. Our forum does group fly rod blank orders, save usually 30% and big savings on shipping as we are from BC. Rod building is a great hobby, building the handle is my favorite part and can make or break a rod. The next build for me is a 8' 5wt white glass for my daughter. Look forward to your build

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[blackbird]

Any pointers on filing the guides?

diamond coated flat files

you may find them with knife sharpening supplies at the store.

 

[Flyguy65]

Guide feet metal isn't that hard, I use a fine flat metal file. Also a Dremel, but you gotta be careful with a Dremel.....one side of the foot it can catch and spin the guide around and buzz off the point in a heartbeat! Been there...done that.

 

[veilside180sx]

Diamond coated are nice but not required. Any standard fine flat file works great. I'd avoid anything powered initially.

 

[9140greenie]

Be watchful of those thread nubs! They will poke out when you apply the thread finish. You could also burnish those gaps out of the thread wraps

 

[9140greenie]

 

[9140greenie]

..And here is an example of what a great wrap looks like along with a fantastic thread finish application.

 

[Bajema]

Be watchful of those thread nubs! They will poke out when you apply the thread finish. You could also burnish those gaps out of the thread wraps

Any tips on avoiding the nubs?

 

[Bajema]

I also got the masking tape on the butt for the reel seat and started reaming out the cork last night. Hoping to get the reel seat and cork glued on this weekend, along with more practice wrapping guides.

 

[coastrider]

I leave a tag long enough to handle on each wrap and then nik them off with a straight razor just before i epoxy, this way if they loosen off a bit you can snug them and pack the wraps tight. Best of luck

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[Flyguy65]

..And here is an example of what a great wrap looks along with a fantastic thread finish application.

View attachment 130795

Oooooohhh!.......agate stripper! Very nice!

 

[Flyguy65]

On the tag ends, I leave them all long until ready to coat. Like coastrider said, nick them off close with a new razor blade, quickly and carefully use a lighter (firestarter) to burn nub or any fuzz then burnish if necessary.

 

[9140greenie]

I use a pair of sharp fine point scissors. I pull the tag end fairly hard and stick the points of the scissors as close as possible to the wraps. When I snip the thread, the tension I apply makes the tag end snap under the wraps. You can also use a burner to melt the wraps, but that doesn't always erase the nub. A final way is to use a light multi-coat thread finish. Leave the nubs and apply a thin first coat. Wait for the finish to dry and come back with sharp razor and cut off the nub. Then apply you're next or final coat of finish. Good luck.
Tight lines,
Keith

PS
The picture I posted of the thread wraps and finish is not a rod I wrapped. I do not want to take credit for someone else's work. I wish my thread wraps looked that good. It's getting there though.