F.Y.I. Don't use 3M Blue masking tape to hold Guides while whipping Rods!

Hi Yakers:
    My first CalStar 196-7 build seemed to go O.K. except, for the 3M blue masking tape contaminated the wraps with a residue that
didn't allow the "Flex-coat" to dry.
 I spent a extra two day removing and re-wrapping the Guides!
                                                                       Sea-ya
                                                                       Ernie

Bummer!   

I like to use rubber bands that I cut and then use to tie the guides to the blank for load testing. Of course, you need thicker rubber bands for heavier rods.

Big bummer.  I haven't had that problem with the blue tape, but now I'll know to avoid it.

Hi Yakers:

  Nothing worse than dripping uncured "Flex-coat" on the kitchen Counter
for a Marrage!
                                    E

Ernie,

I seriously doubt that it was the blue tape.  I use that stuff like kleenix on every rod I build and never have a problem with finish.

Many builders have problems with finish properties until they work out a method that works for them.  The most common error is not measuring the part A and B accurately enough.  The second common problem in incomplete mixing.  Applying in too cold of temperatures is another... the list of possible errors is long.

Send me a PM and tell me exactly what you did to mix the finish and I'd be happy to help you troubleshoot.

I'll bet you a bazillion dollars it isn't the blue tape.

EK

Ernie,

I seriously doubt that it was the blue tape.  I use that stuff like kleenix on every rod I build and never have a problem with finish.

Many builders have problems with finish properties until they work out a method that works for them.  The most common error is not measuring the part A and B accurately enough.  The second common problem in incomplete mixing.  Applying in too cold of temperatures is another... the list of possible errors is long.

Send me a PM and tell me exactly what you did to mix the finish and I'd be happy to help you troubleshoot.

I'll bet you a bazillion dollars it isn't the blue tape.

EK

I agree with EK, probably not the tape. I usually heat the flex coat with a hair dryer before measuring and mixing. I also turn the room temperature up to 65-70 degrees for rod drying. I also don't use thread color preserver unless I have to.

scott

scott

Hi Yakers:

      It could be a number of factors but, my third batch was just fine using the old off-white masking tape to hold my Guides.
      I guess I could run some test cases but, I found what works for me
and, I'm still enjoying wipping using the Jig Eric gave me.
      Now I'm passed the "Flex-coat" bump, I'll try some basic patterns like diamond Wrap Etc.
                                              Thanks for your help "NKCA Tribe"
                                                      E 
     

One other bit of advice I'll throw in is stop using Flex Coat. I've moved over to using Threadmaster and I'll never go back. It seems to dry better, level easier, and is a bit more forgiving on your mix ratio. I've built about 5 rods with it so far and I'm really happy with it.

Threadmaster is my preferred finish as well.  Superior to all others in my opinion.

EK

Great tidbits of info here. Any epoxy that the rodbuilders recommend or are they all pretty much the same?
Thanks!

Z

Hi Zee:

    You might find you answer at the site below.
I will switch to "Threadmaster" because of my
bad first time experience with "Flex-coat".

                                                    E

http://www.rodbuilding.org

Great tidbits of info here. Any epoxy that the rodbuilders recommend or are they all pretty much the same?
Thanks!

Z

U-40 Rod Bond for reel seats and grip installation.

ThreadMaster Ultimate Gel 15-min epoxy is good for grip installation too.

Great tidbits of info here. Any epoxy that the rodbuilders recommend or are they all pretty much the same?
Thanks!

Z

U-40 Rod Bond for reel seats and grip installation.

ThreadMaster Ultimate Gel 15-min epoxy is good for grip installation too.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you~! Been wanting to roll my own for a long time and will be getting started soon.

Z