fishing rod

A Subsidiary Of The Reel Mechanic

I got into a conversation with another rod builder the other day and he asked me if I understood the article in RodMaker Volume 4 #6 Nov/December 2001, about the "Rich Forhan Locking Wrap".

He said on his wrapper the threads feed from in front and over the top of the rod while turning. I told him yes, I had read it and was using the wrap on my rods, but it was hard to figure out because the article was illustrated with ../images that showed the wrapping threads coming from behind and above the rod as it was turning (making the threads coming toward the operator).

It took me some long hours (Slow learner) to figure out how it was used with the threads coming from in front and below the turning rod (away from the operator). After I had finished explaining it to him he told me that he knew of other rod builders that had trouble figuring it out for their style of in front and under, using hand and power wrapping, and that I should post it.

Note: I know that Rich Forhan is the brain child of this wrap but the article was confusing to me and others, so I take this space to explain how I create this wrap in my words and ../images..

I'm using an American Tackle Power Wrapper®, the thread carriage is low in front of the rod blank.

SO here goes...........

LOCKING A SINGLE FOOT GUIDE   First I wind the thread up to about (2) two wraps from the guide foot and insert my tie-off loop   Next I make (1) one blocking wrap just behind the guide. This will align the remaining Blocking & locking wraps.   Now I continue the next revolution and wrap around behind the guide.   Then I wrap the thread (1) 360 degree clockwise revolution around the guide leg.   Here you see the thread being wrapped clockwise around the guide leg and continues on around the blank.   Continue this wrap for (3) three total revolutions.   I then finish off with at least (2) two more blocking wraps and tie-off as usual.   I use my burnishing tool to pack the threads together before finishing. Done right, the locking wraps are hardly noticeable and do not detract from a neat appearance.... Listed here are the wraps that make up MY locking wrap... Last (2) two wraps in front of guide leg to secure tie-off loop (1) One Blocking wrap behind guide (serves to align the other wraps and prevent gaps) 1st locking wrap 2nd locking wrap 3rd locking wrap 2nd Blocking wrap after 3rd locking wrap (behind guide) 3rd Blocking wrap (behind guide) Finally the number of Blocking & locking wraps can be varied as needed. More does not mean stronger however. Read Rich' Article @ rodbuilding.org