Hi,

Well, I just finished the first wraps on my first ever build - a 2pc 7'6" 3/4wt tiger-eye blank - and thought I would post the pics for comments. I thought some comments from other more experienced builders would be helpful before I apply any CP/epoxy in case I decide to redo anything.

I'm fairly pleased with them for a first attempt but not 100% happy. The main concern for me is that the tag ends which are tucked under the wrap seem to have left a fairly large lump between the blank and the wrap, not poking through but seems a little more prominent than I would like. Is there any way of flattening this down other than just burnishing the wrap?







The wrap is chestnut and the trim is tan. I got gold trim too but it looked a little too bright when I did some sample wraps. I think the tan trim is a bit more understated and subtle.

Anyway, hope the pictures work (had some trouble uploading them and they seem to have someone elses name against them?!?) and looking forward to receiving your comments. Thanks for looking!


Tom

Lookin' good! The two threads contrast without clashing. Good choice on the tan. I'm going to build a couple of tigereye rods later. I just might copy that color scheme for one of them. Just make sure that the guides are centered on the blank. Don't ask how I know. For the lumpy tag end, you can burnish it and a lot of it will smooth out. I recently found that it's best to only wrap 3 or 4 times over the tag end. You can pull the tag end straighter and parallel to the wraps. Then, when you trim it, you don't have a lot of thread buried under the wraps. Also, I don't trim the tag until I finish a wrap. I go back and pull the tag end to tighten the first wraps, then trim it. I've had too many wraps come loose at the first few turns.

Heck, Tom. I'm starting my third and still re-doing things! That looks very good! I'm beginning to think that all rod-builders are perfectionist. It's amazing how well we all get along since we... well, you know.
Unless you're seeing something that the camera doesn't show, I would glue that baby up.

Thanks for the comments guy's. I will certainly try to trim the tags off after a fewer number of wraps next time (I guess I was a little worried about them coming loose so may have wrapped over the tags a few too many times), that makes good sense. I did have to redo one of those wraps (before I took the pics) as I didn't cut the tag short enough before pulling it through and it left a large tuft poking out which I couldn't get rid of, even with a flame.

I also practised a few of the single foot guides near the tip top. I found those much much more tricky due to the lower diameter of the blank and found it hard to get the first few wraps tight against the blank. I guess this will come with practise though...

I'll put some more pics up when I've got them all wrapped and epoxied - the thought of gluing them up scares the hell out of me!! Rods No.2 and 3 are now in the planning. I already have the blank for No.2 and can't wait to get it started.

Thanks again, I'm finding this forum invaluable.
Tom

Looks sharp . Remember you can trim any little tags ends and nubs after the first coat of finish. Hardens everything up and allows for quick surgery on those little thread warts, with a razor blade. Even light sanding marks will be covered by the second coat.

Welcome to the addiction,
Pete

Lange
there is no doubt about it you are now addicted . If the rest turns out that good it will be a great build.

Looks good! You're encountering the normal concerns, noticing what needs to be noticed, and planning corrections--all of which means you're doing very well. Anything less than replacing 100% of the guides on your first build is better than average.

My only caution is that you want to get the CP or finish on those wraps as soon as possible (don't ask me how I know--RBF's most famous line ) in order to keep little microscopic green men from taking up housekeeping on the thread and screwing up your finish. If you can't get to it right away, put the blank back in the plastic bag it came in until you're ready to finish.
Gnossos

Well, I got the rest of the rod wrapped and CP'd over the weekend and have just put the FlexCoat Lite finish on the butt section. I guess I've been turning it for over 2.5 hours now but I'm too scared to leave it!! Its fast approaching midnight and I think it will be fine if I leave it but there's something in the back of my mind telling me to stay up a little longer and turn it some more.

I will be doing the tip section tomorrow (probably going to be another late night) and will post up some pics when its all done. Doing the first half tonight wasn't as nerve-racking as I expected and it looks pretty good I think.

Anyways, hopefully the next update will be in the 'rod showcase' section?!?

Thanks for the advice/comments posted in response to my earlier posts.

Tom

Are you turning by hand? If so you would be better off with the std formula, sets up faster.

Mike

Yes, I was turning by hand. I did think about an electric rod dryer but maybe that's one for the future. Anyway, whe I came downstairs this morning it was all good, no sagging etc.

One thing I am wondering though is do I put a second coat on? I put a fairly thin layer on as instructed, and it talks about a second coat on the packet instructions but to me it looks pretty adequate as it is. Any thoughts or advice on this?

Thanks,
Tom