Does it pack the threads? Does it push the thread down so that the small gaps are filled it. What does it really do?

I do not have a mechanical rod wrapper so I have wondered if the hand speed that I use is enough to make burnishing really effective. It would seem to me that it would be a lot more effective rotating at 100 rpm.

Thanks for the help,
Chris

Chris,

Burnishing forces the thread wraps tight against each other to fill in any small gaps that may have been left while wrapping. Any smooth, round object like a bobbin barrel or a smooth pen barrel can be used for this (I have an actual burnishing tool that I bought at a show), and burnishing should be done in two directions towards the middle of the wrap. If you go in one direction only, you will force the wraps apart at the end of the stroke. You don't need a lot of pressure, and be sure to "walk around" the wrap to insure the thread is tight all around the blank. There is no need for a mechanical wrapper unless you are getting into making production runs of rods. Most people here hand wrap.

Here's an interesting thread to see different viewpoints on packing and burnishing: http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/index.php?...p;hl=burnishing

Hope this helps!

JoeV

...it also tends to flatten the thread a bit, reducing the ridges between individual winds. I just results in a smoother more professional (or more "custom made") look.