[613647]

Hi Capt. I just completed my trolling rods and now Im ready to expoxy them. My question is do you use a small flame to clean off all the frays before expoxying and do you cut the epoxy with acetone? If I remember years ago thats what we did. I realize things change so I would rather ask you first,Thanks,Davey

 

[Captneilf]

Davey,

1. I do not cut my epoxy. I put 1/2 tsp of A part in a plastic mix cup, nuke it for 4 seconds, add 1/2 tsp of B part to cup and mix for 2 minutes. Apply finish and then flame finish to remove air bubbles.

2. Yes I do flame threads before applying epoxy.

Much success,

Capt Neil

 

[Billy40]

Careful when flaming wraps if metallic thread is used. A tiny bit of carelessness and the metallics will burn - turning either siver or black. I'll put the first coat on with a thin epoxy (probably similar to when you thin Flex Coat with Acetone) so there are no bubbles and the thread is fully penetrated. Once the epoxy has set up, I'll go back with a razor blade cleaned with alcohol and slice off and nubs.

 

[613647]

Thanks Guys for all your help. What brushes do you use? Can i use a sponge trow away? Thanks again for all your time,Davey

 

[Billy40]

NO not the sponge brushes. There are brushes sold by Flex Coat that thousands of builders use. Use them once, then throw away, I think.

I use a natural bristle Fan brush, not sure of the size right now. Needs to be stiff and not soft. I squeeze it out after I use it with a paper towe, then dunk it into a shot glass filled with alcohol, and if I find the brush is getting too stiff, I'll use Acetone.

Neil has a neat way to keep his brushes clean, but I'll let him post it.

 

[Captneilf]

Hi,

I have been using Clemens 1/4" hair/bristle brushes.

When I first use one I pat it with masking tape to remove any loose hairs. You will find quite a few. Remove them so they don't end up on your threads.

U-40 makes a great brush cleaner. It doesn't smell or evaporate.

I keep about 1/2" of the brush cleaner in a simular bottle. When not in use my brush stands up in the cleaner.

When I am going to use the brush I wipe out the excess cleaner. Then I swish brush in clean 91% iso alcohol. Wipe the brush dry with a paper towel.

Apply the finish.

When done wipe out excess epoxy, swish in previously used 91% iso alcohol, wipe dry. Then swish in U-40 Brush Cleaner, let brush stand in bottle till next usuage.

My brushes last a long time.

The Flex Coat throw away brushes are used by many builders. For me the bristles were too long and floopy and I could not cut in a straight edge at end of wrap or clean out excess epoxy under guide feet. However, many builders use then successfully.

Capt Neil