Just about to finish off my first rod build, so far so good. All that's left is to flex coat the whippings. After reading all the horror stories I have to say that I'm approaching this with some trepidation.

I'm going to be turning to rod by had so ideally, I'm looking at a single coat. Flex Coat recommend that you thin the first coat to soak the threads and follow that up 24 hrs later with a final un-thinned coat. Given that it's a three piece rod I'm not really keen on hand turning twice.

So is a good finish achievable with just a single un-thinned coat ? Any advice welcome.

Doug

Hello Doug,

you can do a one coat finish but that means you'll have to use more varnish in one layer and thus do more turning before it is stable. On the other hand just impregnating the thread won't ask for a lot of turning provided you use a very thin layer and just lay this on the tread, not on the blank so it gets soaked up almost entirely . The second layer will be a bit thicker and go over the edges to make it a neat finish. If you're not sure about the finishing layer you can tape the blank with masking tape about 1-2 mm from the outer thread edge. You'll have to remove each tape after varnishing each winding, though. For the turning you can use a carton box with level v-shaped cutouts. You don't need to turn the blank in all directions, guides up and down will suffice. You'll start by turning every 30 seconds or so, but gradually you'll arrive at longer intervals. Depending on the mixture your blank can be left alone to dry after 2 to 3 hours. Pour some varnish on a piece of carton or a plastic lid that you can check from time to time with a toothpick or similar.

Good luck,
Johan

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Johan Janssens

Johan is right but i would always opt for the two coats especially because this is you first. The first coat very thin just to soak the wraps. Did you practise on an old rod to get a feel for the epoxy? if you do decide to go with one coat try on a old rod or something so you know how the epoxy behaves..

Maybe you have an old grill or record player? Things are so much easier when you apply the finish while the rod is turning..

Good luck buddy and don't worry things will work out fine, just take your time..

Jerry

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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Get yourself a mirror ball motor from eBay and save a load of hassel. If you've taken the time and effort on the whipping's then don't do half a job on the flexi - Ive turned by hand myself and vowed never again as the finish is so much cleaner with a powered turner. Good luck anyway!

Ben

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Make Tea not War.

Cheers guys, perhaps a turner is the way to go after all. I've enjoyed the process so far and think there may be more rods to follow.

Sounds like two coats are the way to go, should I thin the first coat (acetone) or just apply a very small thin layer of the finish ? I'll also practice on a old broken rod first.

Yes thin the first coat and do it in two coats
But I would advise practice first on some scrap rod section its very easy to make a mess at this stage.


Gary

I would thin it, Doug, it'll run better through the thread.

Regards,
Johan

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Johan Janssens

i figure you have the regular flex coat, i never used a thinner just soak the wraps the first coat. After the first coaT has dried there will be little fuzz or hairs sticking out, slice those off with a sharp razor blade before you put the second coat on. Use a good light source to see if the wraps are fully soaked and when the finish goes tacky just clean your brush and make another batch. There is no need to rush...like you said you will build more and more and more and more.. Very addictive stuff this rodbuilding is..

Good luck and show us your work.

Jerry

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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Gotta say i use the thin flex coat (but used quite alot on the threads) and used a maplin disco ball tuner 1.5v and never had any issues. Threads were more than coated and had nice protective layer of expoxy around the eyes.

I have had issues on second coats where the second coat pulls away from the under coat so it like dry puddle syndrome.

I also do not thin my coatings with solvent. I know some guys do to good effect, but I never saw the need. Just put it on the wraps in a small amount and let it soak through. Don't brush it around, don't try to spread it everywhere. For the first coat, get it pretty close to the edges (within 2-3 thread wraps) and let it soak through the rest. You want just enough to wet the threads really.

A turning motor is a wonderful thing, especially with flex coat which takes a little longer than most to set. You put the rod in the turner and let it turn. Apply epoxy as it is turning (if it is 15 RPM or higher) and let the turner do the work.

Thanks
Rick