Metallic thread

[harvey lee]

I have a rod I'm wrapping with metallic thread. I have wrapped a few others with metallic thread and did not have any issues.

The thread is the same size as the other colors but this thread seems to want to break during the wrap.

Any ideas? I have loosened up the tensioner about as far as I dare go.

[A.W.Wolfram]

Tom,

Try a spool tensioner instead of a thread tensioner.

[upnorth]

The rule of thumb for thread tension for guides it you want it tight enough that you can barely move the guide after it is wrapped. Vague answer yes, but that is how I set my tension. I don't wrap guides with metallic thread myself and it a personal aesthetics thing for me. I like things a little toned down on the guides and leave the gaudy/fancy stuff for the butt wraps, but there I wrap metallic pretty darn tight to keep the wraps smooth and tight.

I also echo Capt. Fireman's advice about applying tension to the spool instead of the thread. Long ago I posted some pics of my equipment and a homemade spool tensioning(sp?)device was included.

[rodmaker]

Wrapping guides with metallic is not easy to do and this is the common issue. I know rod shops that don't recommend doing this. You can do this, but it is a headache

[harvey lee]

I know its tough but it looks so nice. Its tough with this rod as I will have 8 double footed guides and the tip top and hook holder so many wraps will be needed.

I will get it done.

[rodmaker]

The few I have seen, do look nice. Good luck!!!

[bemidjibasser]

A spool tensioner is the way to go. If you rub metallic thread wrong it will fray and break. It can be a reel pain in the butt..

[upnorth]

Harvey, I assume you are building a casting rod. Unless you expect this rod to take some real abuse where you think you may pull the guides out there is no real good reason to use double foot guides all the way to the top. I usually only go the first couple and I do a spiral wrap at that so the guides come out on the bottom of the rod like a spinning rod. Less stress on the blank, less torque in your hand and easier fight a big fish.

[bemidjibasser]

If I had it my way, I wouldn't use double footers at all, but some guys like them on their rods.

[harvey lee]

Yes a bait caster and spiral wrapped. I feel safer with the double footed guides on as this rod will be fishing for rather large flatheads. I have no worries with these guides.

[harvey lee]

I built a spool tensioner and it did work much better. Cut down on thread breakage a ton.

[A.W.Wolfram]

Good to hear Tom.

That cat rod with the gold guides and thread looks vary nice.

You should post pics of the fore grip.

[harvey lee]

I would but my camera has issues with loading them to photobucket.