When I learned to build rods - the instructor like the "football" shaped epoxy look, and you had to use something to orient the "blob" properly, but now that is a "no-no" so the best way to get the "flat blob" is to apply a blob, let it drip to the bottom, and then remove it with a brush or spatula, then turn the rod 180 degrees and let it drip again. After removing a couple of drips you have the proper amount left on to keep the rod rotating.