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Gooey
05-26-2009, 08:44 AM
I like to make trim bands on my all guide wraps, I usually match them to the guide frame color and I think it adds a great deal of cosmetic value.

Until I started doing trim bands this way, I noticed that thin trim bands (2 or 3 wraps) were quite difficult and not worth the effort and sometimes they would be prone to popping loose it you moved them even the tiniest amount. With this method I make small trim bands (2 wraps) very easily and that are very secure.

So what you need is 5 puller loops. I use 30lb braid with a tuft of yarn tied into it. So here the process:
1) Take 2 loops and tape them to the blank. The loop end is opposite to the way you are wrapping, the tuft is to the inside. On a side note, I will use a caliper to place the tape where my wrap will start. I usually decrease each wrap by a couple millimeters as I go up the blank for a nice tapering effect.

2) I start the wrap (at the tape) and put on maybe an 1/8 of an inch and then bend the puller end of the loop up and keep on wrapping. If there is a small gap there great, you can use that void to safely trim the tag end of your trim band later.

3) With about 3/4 of the wrap done, I will insert 3 more puller loops under the thread and then continue to wrap to the end of the wrap/foot.

4) Once I have the length of wrap needed, I cut the end and use the lowest puller to “tie off” or complete the wrap.

5) That leaves me with 2 puller loops hanging out of either end of the wrap.

6) Its then a simple matter of inserting the desired trim into the first puller loop to secure the trim, make the number of turns require (over the second puller loop), and then cutting the trim free and completing the trim band with the remaining loop. Repeat process on the other side.



Note that I always anchor the trim with the higher up loop, do the wraps and then finish it with the lower loop. That way you don’t get a skinny spot on your trim band (because you pass the starting point of the trim band).

Using this method produces nice tight trim bands that are guaranteed to stay put.

Good Luck!

PS - I am trying to attach some pics but I think that I may need to clear my cash first?!? The attachment page says I am over my limit but I can't figure out how to clear it?!?

fishfry
05-26-2009, 11:19 AM
I have had the same issues with the small bands but your 2 wrap sounds easy enough. Looking forward to the pictures.

Gooey
05-27-2009, 06:48 AM
Lets try this: http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/529

The link seems to work for me...the pictures are sequenced first on the left and last on the right...dont ask me, I loaded them 1,2,3 etc but the are ordered 3,2,1 in the album!!! Man they couldn't have made loading pics any easier!?!?

Bobbin for steel
05-30-2009, 09:22 PM
How about this method:

Take a piece of the trim thread and lay it along the blank where you plan to make a wrap with the ends tacked with a small piece of tape. Have a couple inches sticking out past the start and stop of your intended wrap. Place a pull loop next to the trim thread so it is just a bit in whatever direction you intend to wrap the trim band so the trim band stop will overlap the trim band start. Start the base wrap as normal and lift the pull loop end after six or seven wraps, continue your base wrap as you normal would, wrapping over the trim thread. When you place your pull loop to end the normal wrap place another pull loop for the trim band on that end, now finish the normal wrap.

You should have a finished normal wrap with a trim band thread extending a few inches in either direction and a pull loop on each end of the normal wrap. Now you can make a single wrap trim band, or two or three wraps (whatever looks good to you) and pull the tag end through with your pull loop. Do the same on the other end.

If you only want a trim band on one end then cut the trim band thread after seven or eight wraps of the base wrap and finish the base wrap as normal. If you want to get fancy here you can use the trim thread for a decorative wrap somewhere in the middle of the base wrap. Just lift the trim band thread and wrap it alongside the base wrap thread for one, two, or three wraps while maintaining some tension by hand. Then replace the trim band thread along the blank and finish the base wrap as listed above.

Practice a bit on a piece of wooden dowel or scrap rod blank. Have fun!

StickFish
06-03-2009, 06:20 AM
I use Bobbin's method for trim bands if I'm also doing inlays with the same thread. If not, I'll use something along the lines of a nail knot. Pull tight spot of cp on the junction let dry and trim.

FrogPond
06-30-2009, 05:01 PM
Anyway we could get a couple pics of the above method? I am just starting my second build and spent an hour last night trying to figure out a trim band on my tip guide...what a way to get started :(

Raymond Adams
07-01-2009, 01:27 AM
Anyway we could get a couple pics of the above method? I am just starting my second build and spent an hour last night trying to figure out a trim band on my tip guide...what a way to get started :(

There are various methods for trim bands & inlays. Google those key words and my tutorial will be on top of the first page and Tom Kirkman's article from RodMaker mag will be a bit lower on the same page. Would post links but it's not allowed here. Both are free and very informative and easy to understand.

Also google "The Rod Builder's Library"

Thanks Gooey and Stickfish for providing their methods as well!

FrogPond
07-01-2009, 09:28 AM
wow! those tutorial look like they will be very helpful. I can't wait to get back to the tying table now!

Thank You!