Metalic accent thread problems

[jw healy]

I am in the process of making my first rod (8'6" 3 wt 4 pc on a Rainshadow blank). The guide wraps look great but nowhere in the many articles I have read on rod building did anyone warn of the crankiness of metalic accent thread. In order to get it to lock, I seem to need 6-7 wraps which makes a pretty thick accent line. When I use fewer, it simply unravels. I thought about using a drop of super glue but felt it would be better to get some expert advice before proceeding.

[Mojo]

I use super glue. One or two trim wraps and a little dab 'll do ya. When you go over it with your choice of wrap finishes you'll never notice how it was done.

[ET custom flyrods]

This might help you. You can make 2-3- or 4 turn wraps with metallic thread. For a 4 turn wrap:........Wind the tread on as usual using 2 turns , then overlap (do not cut off the excess tag end). Then place in your pull loop , take two more turns and pull it though the loop. This leaves you with two tag ends. Grab the two tag ends and pull them apart from each other tightening the treads. Then cut off both tag ends. The trick here is not to cut off the first tag end like you would normally do when continuing on with a wrap.........Hope that helps........Ed

[SteveP]

Tiny touch of super glue on the thread with a tooth pick. Single turns, doubles, then I go by the way ET described above if I'm using more than 2 turns.

Steve

[TampaJim]

You need to prepare for the accent wrap when doing your primary wrap. Place a tie-off loop onto the blank BEFORE starting your main wrap, with the open loop facing AWAY from the guide foot. Proceed with the primary wrap as usual, moving the tie-off out of position after 5-6 wraps. After completing the primary wrap, you now have a tie-off loop in position for an accent wrap of a single or double revolution. Simply make a pass or two around the blank and then pull BOTH ends through the tie-off while gently nudging the accent band into position as the gap is closed. With a bit of practice and proper burnishing, it will look absolutely perfect.

Another way that is simple, which will allow for a three wrap accent. Tape the accent thread onto the blank BEFORE wrapping the primary wrap. Start your primary and after 15-20 turns, cut the tag end of the accent thread that is extending into the main wrap. Finish your main wrap and then go back to the accent thread that is taped. Immediately position a tie-off loop and make your three revolutions and pull through. You will find that three wraps holds when the other end has 15-20 turns. It will allow you to put a bit of extra tension onto the accent wrap, therefore keeping it in position.

[dave potts]

I've tried using superglue before and have had problems with it turning the thread black. For those of you who mentioned using superglue-do you have that problem? Is there a specific type or brand of glue that won't turn the thread black?

Thanks
Dave

[bugman]

Myself ive had problems with any super glue turning thread a different colour so i use a little varnish that i put in a medicine cup which has been let set over night open to allow it to become very thick, tacky... dries quickly and works just as good as superglue for holding a metalic trim wrap starting end...

[Jerry]

I've used a method I read about some time ago. The author sent me a diagram explaining it that I can't find.
You start the process by wrapping the metallic thread over the rod and your finger at the same time. I'm right handed so I wrap around my left pointer finger and the blank holding the standing part tight with my left thumb. Take as many turns as you want, trim the standing part and tag end down to a couple of inches, and push each through the space between your finger and blank, remove your finger and pull both ends tight. The wraps comes out lined up without overlapping, trim both ends flush.

I've used the method many times....works great.

[ET custom flyrods]

I've used a method I read about some time ago. The author sent me a diagram explaining it that I can't find.
You start the process by wrapping the metallic thread over the rod and your finger at the same time. I'm right handed so I wrap around my left pointer finger and the blank holding the standing part tight with my left thumb. Take as many turns as you want, trim the standing part and tag end down to a couple of inches, and push each through the space between your finger and blank, remove your finger and pull both ends tight. The wraps comes out lined up without overlapping, trim both ends flush.

I've used the method many times....works great.

Have also used this method , but make sure when you pull the threads tight that they stay lined up and do not crossover which is easy to do if your not paying attention.......Ed

[ol' blue]

I use the 2 tag end method, but use a dot of CP to hold it in place. After it dries, I cut the tags ends off flush.