Finally moved to a rod that costs a bit more than the others out there. I’ve been building to improve my skills before really spending $$$ on blanks and components. Thought I was ready for the big time build.
I am into my 15th build and figure this now should not be an issue. Even when working with a natural silk for “invisible” wraps, I had come into the issue of bunching or striations at the bottom or near the top edge of the guide foot.
1. Is there a manufacturer producing a stripping guide that provides a proper taper/form for silk as it transitions from foot to blank?
2. Does a certain thread diameter for silk work best when laying thread for translucent finishes?
3. Does anyone here utilize a little trick of wrapping thread just a little under the tip of the guide and then wrap over the guide foot - leaving the tip exposed? (When utilizing thread with color). I think one shouldn’t have to but guess if it works . . .
4. This issue had me contact my optometrist to upgrade into multi-focal contact lenses.
Pictured here is the McFarland 733. A highlight of the build is that this bubble is the only one.
. See the striations?
This issue is mainly with low profile stripping guides. I used a Dremel and files to provide a good transition. On this rod, I had ground and filed the stripping guide but it still did not provide a good transition - so, I bought another one to start over. The first had been manufactured with rounded feet and this one has been made with pointed and more tapered feet.
Anyways, I rewrapped the feet several times. I do utilize a lamp the illuminate the rod so that I can see gaps and issues. Everything seemed proper before applying thread finish.
However, once moving out away from my work station, the issue is definitely noticeable under different light.
Pictured above is a guide that I spent ages on with a grinding stone to make a gradual angle/decline and more level area for silk. I just don’t think you should have to spend so much time doing this stuff to guide feet.
In this photo of my Blue Halo (lighter shade of thread and smaller diameter), I also worked with a stone on the feet.
Anyways, hope I haven’t thrown to much at y’all or confused ya.
As always, any feedback is appreciated and thanks for reading.
*I don’t build to sell. Lucked into a buyer when lawn casting in a field prior to a school event. And I’ve given 2 away to family. Hoping the kids pick one or two out.