I've never wrapped with silk before so this should be an adventure. I'll be using Pearsall's Gossamer thread for the guides, but should I use the same for wrapping the ferrules, or should I go up a size and use the Naples on the ferrules (because of the "step-up")? Thanks in advance.

John

I'd say stay with the same size thread. I don't think there would be any advantage to using thicker thread on the ferrule, and the appearance would be distinctly different.

Thanks, that's pretty much what I figured. This will be my first bamboo and I certainly don't want to screw it up nor have to rewrap the ferrules!

John

Another option is to use Naples for the guides and ferrules. Naples is about 3/0. It takes a an extra coat of varnish to fill in the wraps. That said none of the clasic rods used thread all that fine nor were the wraps totally filled, ie, they were varnished a lot less than the practise is today. I then use Gossamer for the tipping. 6 wraps with pearsalls Gossamer for the tipping makes for a nice thin trim wrap.

Remenber that most plastic rods are wrapped with Size A nylon.

Cheers!

Arne

When wrapping your first cane rod, I would use caution when deciding to wrap with the thinnest of silk. you might be better off with the thicker Naples or even a Gudebrod silk.

imperfect steps in the ferrule wraps can always be cured with thin coat of flexcoat lite or threadmaster before attempting warping where the ferrule meets the rod.


OSD

As a newcomer myself Ive just been through the process. If you hav'n't feathered the ferrule tabs properly you will need to follow OSD's advice. Keep the area of glue under the wrapping area though and make sure it is properly cured before you feather the edge and wrap. My first refurb job made this mistake and it is now engraved on my forehead.

Secret is in the preparation. If like me you have prepped the ferrule as advised on forum with drill and sandpaper and then crowned a la Harry Boyd as he advised me in a post last week and if it is then fitted as forum advice glued and temporally wrapped tabs leaving access to the blank end then gossamer will flow up a treat, same as for a well prepped guide seat- Easier because of equal slopes all round .

Gossamer needs, in my very limited experience, even tension, good eyes and a bit of speed when wrapping to keep threads even and close without crossing where you can on even stretches and a fund of curses to help you relax when things are not 100% on the more difficult transitions or threads cross.

Have fun.

Collie

It is extremely easy to cross your thead when using Gossamer and you might not catch it until you have the first coat of varnish on your wraps.

As I said before I use Naples on the wraps and Gossamer for the trim wraps.

Works for me.

Before I start wrapping the ferrules I take a very small and fine flat file and make sure the tips of the crowned ferrule has a nice taper so the thread flows smoothly up on the ferrule.

Cheers!

Thanks for the suggestions!

John