I'm working on a rod for a fundraiser. I'm using an Arcane guide for the stripper. I noticed that a bit of the foot shines through the wraps. I've tried burnishing it. I pack the wraps with a flat spatula. I make sure the thread comes onto the blank at an angle to set up against the previous thread wrap. Any advice on what to do? The foot of the guide seem to be thicker than others I have used.

John, maybe you already did this but try to sand a little the foot guide. Some times is just a little bump on it.
Works with me.

Nuno

John:

I try to build perfect rods and it never happens. There is always something that doesn't come out quite right. I think you may be just a tad bit critical of your own work. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Two bits says that if you don't point out the "flaw", nobody else will notice it.

I think it's just part of being a craftsman.

L

p.s. I just noticed I labeled my 5wt switch rod as an 8wt..... sheeeeeesh! I guess I have two 8wt switches now, one of them is really-really light.

John,
If you're not using color preserver on your wraps, you're always going to have the guide foot show through the wrap (which looks really nice on a well shaped foot). If the metal is actually exposed in the wrap, rather than just showing through, then either your packing isn't tight enough, or, as Nuno says, you may need to smooth out the taper on the guide foot to allow the thread to climb up the foot tightly and without gaps. Even high grade guides will usually require some work to get the guide feet properly tapered and smooth. If the guide finish is something other than chrome or stainless steel, you will also need to touch up the sanded or file areas to have them match the frame color (hobby enamel or Sharpies work well for this).