I am just on the verge of finishing the wraps on my first rod. My problem is that at this time of year it might be a little difficult keeping my old 1928 boiler heated house up to the recommended 72 degrees, particularly at night. No problem keeping the mix cup warm. The place is relatively dust free. I also have an alchohol burner as well as an electric mixer. Should I wait on completing this project for warmer weather? Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Carl

Mix up a test batch of finish and see what happens before working on your actual rod.

I've had good luck finishing with temps around 65-68 degrees F. However, I have had trouble with humidity since I work in my basement, but only when using Flex Coat. Threadmaster and U40 worked fine in the same conditions.


Kev

While 72f might be optimal, you can get good results down into the mid 60's, it'll just take a bit longer to set up completely.

A simple drying cabinet would be another option, but that's a whole 'nother discussion.

Carl,

AK Trouter built this drying box. It is a beauty! I think a box like this will aid in helping with your temperature issues. Mine, not nearly as nice as AK's both helps with my dust issues and heat issues.

http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=20340

Jeff

I do rods in my basement, which is always a little cool. I haven't gotten around to building a drying cabinet, but I did throw together a quick fix to help with settling dust and temperature.

I made a sort or tent out of some plastic poster board and some clear painters tarp. I put an incandescent bulb or heat pad underneath for heat. Worked well. Possibly a bit of a fire hazard.

Before I built my dryer box, I had this rod that I finished and tried to get cured in sub-70 temps. After 3 weeks with no sign of it getting hard, I had to redo the whole job.
Gnossos

I build in the basement. When I put the rod on the turner I place a space heater next to it. I have had no problems with the epoxy curing overnight.

for the few rods i do, and the times i've done them, the humidity thing does seem to matter, my basement is heated with a woodburner, its on a lot over winter, like zero moisture down there, the temperature is steady at 66/68 degrees, i use both FC and TM lite, pre heat the epoxy, i mix them both at around 75 degrees (5 minute stir time) i have a 8 inch block of 2x4 with a hole drilled in for the mix cup, that block sits on the heater duct till use, the block keeps constant heat on the mix cup for more than a full rod of guides, straight from the cup, no bubbles,, , as a first time TM lite user this month, , i do find it more watery than the FC. both used the same way,, about 4 hours the brush is tacky , 6 hours not tacky but still pliable, 10 hours the brush keeps its shape, 14 hours its stiff,, 24 hours i recoat,,, it works fine for me, i keep the same pattern of use each time helps also,,,

My shop is in my basement which, when I'm out of kerosine, averages around 50 degrees. I just applied a first (thin) coat of TM finish to a spin rod the other day. I put it on the drier (no heat, just a turner) and walked away. The next morning it was cured enough to the touch where I felt no tackiness. I plan on filling the heater this week, and I'll apply the final coat(s) then. But I'm not really in a hurry, this rod is for my best customer...me. I've still got a little time before ice-out.


Chris

OK, kids, now do as Froggy says and not how he does. He LIKES finger prints on his wraps.

I block off the vent in the spare room where I build, winter or summer. Close the door and fire up a portable electric heater that warms the room to 75 degrees in no time. Works like a charm!

Apparently I need to mention, I always check the foil with the remainder finish before I think about touching the rod itself.
Thanks Gnossos


Chris

I heard he also likes "tackiness".

Sorry Chris, I didn't mean that to come off as a cheap shot. I just got a smile thinking of someone with your skill and experience unable to resist temptation. As the reigning king of impatient mistakes, I shouldn't have spoken.
Gnossos

Well I did mean mine as a cheap shot

Ah grasshopper ...
When you can't pull the pop-sickle stick out of the mixing cup without bringing all the finish out like a lollie pop, it is time for you to touch the rod.
Why would you want to do otherwise .....

But master, ... I am so impatient.