Practicing

[tkidder]

]I'm going to be building a couple of new rods over the next few weeks. So, while waiting for the blanks to get here I thought I'd try something new. I don't see these types of wraps on fly rods too often and was wondering why? Is it a weight issue? Anyway here are my first couple of attempts:
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[herefishy]

I've wondered that too, don't know, but your work is certainly beautiful

[dunfly]

I think fly fishing is more tradition oriented. Most fly rods are more conservative in design with less bling than conventional tackle. Also, fly fishing is more finesse oriented and tends to be closer to the fish. In this case, the extra bling can spook fish. Other than that, I can't think of any reason.

On a personal note, I don't put a lot of bling in my rods. I think a lot of builders add it because they think it makes the rod "look" custom. A clothier once told be to never buy clothes that had metallic thread in the label. The thought being that if the maker was trying to hook you with a fancy label, it must be because the item itself was deficient. I don't really know how that applies, but it always stuck in my mind when I was designing a build.

[tkidder]

Thanks herefishy!

That's an interesting way to think of it dunfly, I never would have thought crosswraps could lead to spooking more fish, but I definitely understand the tradition side of it.

[David Parker]

I must agree with dunfly regarding 'Tradition', but I somehow feel that the 'Tradition' thing makes some newcomers to our sport wary of attempting to take part in it.
As a professional builder, I have found that many seasoned fly fisherman would rather spend their hard earned $ on the best quality rod components put into that rod of choice while keeping with the 'Tradition' so to speak, while younger folks want both quality with 'bling'. Perhaps they are just wanting to impress their friends. Whatever the case, adding nice thread work will certainly show off your talent for rod building, but also add weight as well. How it affects your fishing and catch rates is something time will tell you and lessons you will learn along with it.
You show nice thread work and if you wish to add it to your rod then do so. After all, isn't enjoyment of our sport what it's all about?

[lastchance]

Plus, it takes practice to learn to do what you did with that thread.

[David Parker]

Couldn't agree more lastchance! We all know that old saying 'practice makes perfect'............how true it is.
Just a note for tkidder..........IMO, while doing cross wrap thread work, I have always found it is important to try to keep the same tension on your threads thru out the design. Sometimes difficult to do! When it comes time to finish the job with CP and epoxy, the threads will become wet and may tend to move out of place w/o you noticing it. Just keep good lighting available so you can see if things move. If they move just have your burnishing tool, brush or whatever tool you like to use to make the needed adjustments to the threads.
There is nothing more frustrating than to spend all that time creating a beautiful pattern only to find out afterwards that things have moved out of place. Here again......practice helps tenfold and we all learn by our mistakes, but being able to make a 'save' will certainly help build up your confidence in rod building. I'm sure we've all been there....ha!
One tip that I wish to add in case some may not be aware of.................wash you hands prior to ever working with thread! Always my #1 thing to do prior to even touching thread, for your natural skin oils will adhere to thread and show up as dark blotch spots once the epoxy has cured.

[tkidder]

Thanks David! Keeping a consistent tension on the threads is tough, maybe I just need better tape but it just seems like they were moving around on me quite a bit. Thanks again!

[David Parker]

Thanks David! Keeping a consistent tension on the threads is tough, maybe I just need better tape but it just seems like they were moving around on me quite a bit. Thanks again!

You don't really need to apply too much tension to the threads as long as it is consistent. Everyone has their own methods, but I use very small strips of masking tape at each thread end as I apply threads and try to maintain a very slight tension as the thread slips thru my finger tips, especially when working with metallics, for too much will stretch and deform the thread. I use a 1/2" wide roll of masking tape cut crossway into small 1/8" strips to adhere each thread end to the blank. As long as the tape is fairly fresh, it does the job nicely, removes easily and w/o leaving any glue residue on the blank..............older tape will cause you problems. Just make adjustments as needed with your burnishing tool thru-out wrapping the design. Once you are satisfied with the wrap, apply your CP carefully and things should stay in place pretty well. Your photo shows that you have a pretty good handle on thread wrapping, so don't get discouraged.............next time do a feather inlay!