wrapping guides @ the tip

[fritz]

Having made several rods over the years, including boo rods, I've alway had to temporarily fasten the few top guides with a separate wrapping because the diameter of the rod is smaller than the width of the guide feet. Without the temporary fastening, the guide feet would invariable rotate around the rod shaft while wrapping. any suggestions?

[Uncle Jesse]

What I do not know about rod building will fill volumes, but why not use tape. I did on the scrounge rod I am finishing up.

[kbproctor]

I use these little goodies. They work like a charm, are reusable, cheap, and everyone comments, "Now why didn't I think of that?"

Get a package or two of the small sized bungee cord looking hair thingies (technical name for these things) that are used for pony tails and the like. Get a package of METAL beads. Use a bit of string or heavy thread to pull the hair thingy through the bead. The metal beads are best because they grab the fabric cover and do not slide. I can pretty much guarantee that a plastic bead will slide and let things loose that you don't want loose.

I do not use tape or anything but these things to hold guides before wrapping. Yes, you can do a static test with these and even test cast.

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

If using double foot guides then a small piece of tape as Uncle Jesse suggested works perfect. if using single foot guides then I normally dap a tiny spot of super glue to the guide foot and hold it in place for about 5 seconds. The guide will stay put till your done wrapping, then if you need to realign them it's easy to break the glue bond with a very slight push with the thumb and index finger.

Steve

[herefishy]

Wow, Steve, that might revolutionize my rod building - I always thought if you got super glue anywhere near a guide it would bleed right through the thread - now I might go back to single foots. Thanks!

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

Nope no worries at all with the superglue. I've been using it for about 7 years now to hold the SF guides on for wrapping, and I also use it for doing the EZ method of single turn trim bands as well. Your only using a very small amount so it doesn't hurt anything. Just make sure you don't use too much or then it will turn white in that spot. It really takes all the pain out of starting a wrap on a SF guide.

Steve