New Rod Guides

[otter]

Are there any sugestions for how to remove the finish that covers the thread on the rod guides? I have a rod that I like but I need to replace one of the guides.

[craigzilla]

Hey Newbee try heating it with a hair dryer and after you've got it somewhat pliable (its epoxy coating most likely) go after it with a metal edged razor blade laid way down horizontal.Be careful not to scrape the blade against the rod too hard, as this will weaken it. And like the Boy Scouts used to say "always cut away from yourself"- Its not a difficult operation, good luck!

[jkfrabel]

What I like to do when removing guides is to take a razor blade and carefully cut starting on top. Once I get that first cut what I do then is take my thumb nail and peel the finish and thread. You have to be VERY VERY careful with the razor blade because if you nick the blank you will weakin it and it will break.Once you get all the finish and thread off your going to have some residule finish left that your going to scrape off with your thumb nail. This method takes alittle longer but I'm yet to nick a blank doing it. Just take your time , and it will turn out perfect...Any questions e-mail me...Jeff

[jkfrabel]

Here are a couple of rod buildind boards, to give you some more info. http://www.rodguild.com/bbs/list.php?f=1 http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Rodbuilding/

[fishbait]

newbee,
Hair dryer is OK, do not use a lighter or other heat source. You can very easily melt/weaken your rod. I just cut carefully with a razor balde and the epoxy coating and the thread all come off together. Another trick I have used is to use a BBQ rotissary motor to turn the rod so your epoxy finish won't sag. I made an adapter that deals with handles, but in the past I just taped the rod section to a pencil and shoved the pencil in the hole on the BBQ motor, oir if it's samll enough, just tape up the rod section. Use masking tape. Not fancy, but it worked and the price was right. Lastly, run you'r thread through a book to get some tension for rapping the replacement guide. Add weight to the book to adjust tension. Good luck, it's not as hard as it seems.

[Barnyard]

You might try finger nail polish remover...

[jkfrabel]

Be very careful using slovents and removers on your rod. If it removes the epoxy covering your thread it might eat through the finish on the rod also. the thumbnail tech. takes a little longer but you'll like the finish product, a perfect rod not a worthless heap.

[smilesforu]

Jk is giving you some great advise to get the epoxy off. I use the guide foot to help protect the rod when I cut the thread. I then peel as much off as possible with out further cutting. Becareful so you don't damage the blank.

Tight Lines


------------------
Marty M
Steelheader.net

[otter]

Thank you to all who responded. Using the old guide feet to cut along and then my thumbnail seems to do the trick.
Thanks again.