Rod Building The Rod Building Thread

Do y’all do anything to tack in wrapped threads before epoxy? I feel like no matter what I do, my wraps loosen up. I just wrapped a ferrule end and because I needed to brace the rod with my forearm, the friction caused two wraps to undo themselves. Quite literally one step forward two back.
@Bambooflyguy and @PhilR said they dab some clear nail polish on trim wraps, maybe try that? Have not yet had to do it but glad to know of the tip. I try my best not to touch them too much after wrapping, and not supporting the rod on a wrap.
 
Do y’all do anything to tack in wrapped threads before epoxy? I feel like no matter what I do, my wraps loosen up. I just wrapped a ferrule end and because I needed to brace the rod with my forearm, the friction caused two wraps to undo themselves. Quite literally one step forward two back.
I guess you could put a thin coat of epoxy or spar varnish on them, depending on what you plan on using. Maybe a dab of super glue. Although if your tension is right, it shouldn't be a problem.. however, I have wrapped many rods and used to epoxy up to 28 rods per day for the year I worked for a rod builder. Check out Mudhole for a video, or do a search. If I find something I'll post it.. just can't think of a specific one at the moment..

Mudhole, via YouTube:
 
Last edited:
If you want the trim wraps color preserved I have been putting a drop or two of thinned Al's Color Preserver on the trim wrap half way through (after 3-5 turns) and that seems to keep them from coming apart after I snip the tag ends off.
 
Ya, pull and pack them tight before snipping, then don't touch them...a drop of color preserver sounds smart..
 
This is all so helpful. I know I keep saying that.

So I might be seeing a theme. When you’re starting a wrap. Do you wait to cut the tag end until the very end where you cut both? I’ve been cutting it right after starting, like I would tie a fly. I wonder if by doing that, I’m not able to pull and pack tight enough?
 
This is all so helpful. I know I keep saying that.

So I might be seeing a theme. When you’re starting a wrap. Do you wait to cut the tag end until the very end where you cut both? I’ve been cutting it right after starting, like I would tie a fly. I wonder if by doing that, I’m not able to pull and pack tight enough?

For tipping wraps (I do 2 turns) I never trim the tag ends until after 2 to 3 coats of whatever I am finishing with (usually a spar varnish); less chance of them loosening and, but if they do, can just pull them tight again (my script work is terrible - good thing I only build for myself and family).

1702219682219.jpeg

Cheers
 
This is all so helpful. I know I keep saying that.

So I might be seeing a theme. When you’re starting a wrap. Do you wait to cut the tag end until the very end where you cut both? I’ve been cutting it right after starting, like I would tie a fly. I wonder if by doing that, I’m not able to pull and pack tight enough?
No, I cover it with several turns of thread and give it a tug to try and get it positioned near the guides line. Most my finishes are on the bottom in line with the guides, so they are unseen while holding the rod..Same with the pull string. I try to get around seven wraps on top of them and a good tug before trimming..
 
I recently picked up three fiberglass blanks, which I'm hoping to build over the winter. The butt dia. at .400", is larger than most graphite blanks. I'm having trouble finding wood insert seats, with a classic look, with at least .400" i.d. I tried reaming smaller inserts, which wound up breaking. Can anyone recommend a source for seats that would work?
 
I recently picked up three fiberglass blanks, which I'm hoping to build over the winter. The butt dia. at .400", is larger than most graphite blanks. I'm having trouble finding wood insert seats, with a classic look, with at least .400" i.d. I tried reaming smaller inserts, which wound up breaking. Can anyone recommend a source for seats that would work?
You could try Struble, they manufacture in Montana and have a .420 wood insert available for their seats. Not sure if they sell them separately or what as I see it listed in the description but many of the seats are “skeleton only”. Steve is a good guy, I’d reach out to see what he has in the shop.

B94D0C4D-38DD-4AC0-ABB2-64C74295C196.jpeg

SnakeBrand out of battlegrounds looks to have them too in a large bore, with some real nice wood available. Believe they’re made in WA or OR.
 
I use a stint glued inside the butt. The butt is trimmed equal to the seat length. The stint is put inside the butt, and the seat slides over the stint. Here is a link...it's the 2nd video on reel seats..

 
I use a stint glued inside the butt. The butt is trimmed equal to the seat length. The stint is put inside the butt, and the seat slides over the stint. Here is a link...it's the 2nd video on reel seats..

This. Exactly what I did.
 
I use a stint glued inside the butt. The butt is trimmed equal to the seat length. The stint is put inside the butt, and the seat slides over the stint. Here is a link...it's the 2nd video on reel seats..

Excellent idea! This is what I'll do.
Thanks for posting.
 
Anybody have a source for wide thin brushes (anywhere from 1/2-1”)?

I’m using some Hobby Lobby disposables but on long wraps like this decorative job it’s hard to get an even diameter. Not a problem on guide wraps. I prefer to apply at a perpendicular angle to the rod so spatulas are not applicable.

F9F1DA8A-C7CC-495B-B262-03C44FDC1D24.jpeg
80ECEE09-3175-48C6-BBEE-5D162B328B84.jpeg
 
Anybody have a source for wide thin brushes (anywhere from 1/2-1”)?

I’m using some Hobby Lobby disposables but on long wraps like this decorative job it’s hard to get an even diameter. Not a problem on guide wraps. I prefer to apply at a perpendicular angle to the rod so spatulas are not applicable.

View attachment 94487
View attachment 94488
That's a lot of tedious thread work.! Nice job...
 
Anybody have a source for wide thin brushes (anywhere from 1/2-1”)?

I’m using some Hobby Lobby disposables but on long wraps like this decorative job it’s hard to get an even diameter. Not a problem on guide wraps. I prefer to apply at a perpendicular angle to the rod so spatulas are not applicable.

View attachment 94487
View attachment 94488


I just use a very small metal spatula for all my epoxy. For long wraps load it up thick, smear it back n forth and use heat to drip the excess back into your epoxy, then I hit the edges.
 
Back
Top