…do the fuzzies come from. I’m almost done with my Tiger Eye 3 weight and I’ve been more careful than usual wrapping the guides. When I finish wrapping, they look good but as soon as I put a finish on them, little fuzzy spikes lift their ugly heads and ruin the wrap. That to me is as annoying as an errant mustache hair growing up into your nose. Is there anything I can do to avoid these little devils? 
I have always used an alcohol burner to burn off the fuzzies before finishing.
Years ago I was taught by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry. They showed me how to pass the wrap through the flame quick and easy to burn them off. It also tightens up the thread and makes the wrap a bit nicer looking.
DO NOT use anything but an alcohol flame - anything else can leave soot on the threads - better to keep the fuzzies. Most rod-building suppliers will carry the alcohol lamps I am speaking of.
Good luck.
For the most part, “Fuzzies” come from dust particles. A while back I was experiencing the same problem and through this advise I havent had a problem since.
-
On your existing thread spools strip off the first few layers so you have fresh thread with no dust particles.
-
After you have done #1 place all your thread spools in plastic sandwich bags to guard against dust.
-
After you wrap your rod , get the finish on ASAP…otherwise cover the rod with plastic until your ready to apply the finish.
-
Those spikes are “Dust” …although they can be burned off before you apply the finish hopefully without marring or discoloring the thread) , it is much easier to use the preventative measures listed above to acheive a spikeless application.
-
If your faced with spikes after the finish has dried (which it sounds like you are. Your only solution is to sand off or file off the spikes and apply a thin coat of finish again…Ed
I concur with everything Ed said–plus, take a look at whatever you’re using to control the thread tension, whether it be a fancy thread wrapper or cup and heavy book, on the off chance that something is snagging or abrading your thread between the spool and rod. Also, check your fingers for rough callouses and fingernail snags. I’ve stopped using the cup and book method and gone to a ceramic fly tying bobbin mounted in front of me. I’ve had no fuzzies problem, even with silk, which I mostly use these days.
-CC
I concur with everyone so far, especially PanFisher. An alcohol lamp is indispensible and should be used whenever you’re just ready to apply finish - gets rid of the fuzzies and tightens the wraps. Don’t do it for too long or you’ll get to re-wrap, but it does the job when used correctly.
Kelly.
Be more diligent in trimming your mustache.
I sure would not use an alcohol torch neether. :shock:
That thought actually has never occurred to me. Thanks for the chuckle. :razz: