cord wrap and epoxy question

shappa

shappa

Joined
Oct 15, 1998
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What kind of epoxy is used to seal/coat cord wrapped handles?

Is it just devcon 2-ton...or is it something else. A thinner type perhaps...to allow it to soak into the cord?

How is it applied? Brushed on or is it a dip type of operation?
How do you tell when you have enough/ to much applied?

Do you like epoxy coated or the plain style better?

Sorry guys...I started with one question and it just snowballed I guess.:eek: :D
 
Although I have not yet done a wraped handle, I learned from an old master bambo fly rod maker to coat the rod wrappings that I used to make with a product called Varethane. One of this product's claims to fame was coating dance floors and bowling allies. It is very flexable and hard to the touch. The bamboos I made are still in use and the wrappings have not, so far as I know, degraded.

I was able to find Varethane on the shelf at a local monopoly hardware discount store, so you may well be able to also.

Just to be accurate: I never did split my own bamboo. I bought blanks from Scottland and worked them to my likings.

Now, in using Varethane I would first start by cutting it so that it would penetrate. I would do a three or four parts mineral spirits to one to start with and gradually work my way thicker as coats cure but never thicker than a one to one mixture, even for the final coat. And - remember, the biggest secret to any succesful finish is adaquate cure time between coats and thinness of each coat.

Roger
 
Shappa, I use a wood-penetrating epoxy called S1. It is produced by Industrial formulators. S1 is just a little thicker than water. It will completely saturate your handle. It does take several coats (5 or 6) but you don't have to wait between coats for the glue to dry. For a satiny sheen to the handle, I wait for the handle to dry and then put one more coat on.
To keep the butt from unraveling while I'm mixing the S1, I use a little Crazy Glue. Not too much or else the fumes will leave a white haze on parts of your handle.
You can find S1 or an equivalent at specialty lumber or wood-working stores.

Hope this helps.

Hugh
 
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