| PART 5 - Finishing and Attaching the Tip Top |
There are quite a few options for finish on the market. I'm pretty much a flex-cote guy, and have been for a number of years. It's easy to use, lasts a long, long time and is very quick to apply. One step that's omitted is applying a color preservative. Most quality threads will sport a "NCP" notation, this means the thread does not require a color preservative to maintain its color. Years back if you didn't use a CP on your thread it would bleach out over time and loose most of its color.
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 Applying the finish is the one step where you really DO need some mechanical help. Trust me, rotating a blank every 15 minutes for several hours isn't much fun! There are a bunch of low cost options available starting at about $20 for a basic drying motor and stand.
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 You can also purchase a drying motor and make your own stand. Don't laugh, this stand has made a ton of rods, works well, is completely adjustable, and cost me nothing but $10 for the drying motor. It's made out of scrap plywood, romex wire, and wire staples!
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 Set your rod in the drying rack, adjust to make sure the braces aren't touching any guides. Turn it on and let it rotate for a few minutes to make sure everything's level and working correctly.
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 Mix up your finish; Flex-Cote is used for this example.
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 Apply the finish to the thread wraps making sure to extend finish beyond the end of the thread by at least 1/8". This will completely seal the wraps.
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 Make sure to apply finish to the back side of the guide feet.
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 For a bullet-proof finish apply finish from the top to the bottom of the wraps including under the guide. This is how I finish all my saltwater rods. It allows NO salt water to get into the wraps, to get behind the guide feet or gain entry to any part.
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 If you've signed or labeled your rod you can also apply finish over the writing or label to protect it.
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 After the finish is dry remove the rod from the drying motor. Using a product like Flex-Coats Tip Top Adhesive install the Tip Top.
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 Using pliers to hold the tip top, heat up the tube, not too much or you'll discolor it.
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 Heat up the adhesive till it starts to melt.
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 Apply adhesive to the tip of the blank.
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 Slide the tip top into place, make sure it's aligned with the guides. You may need to pick off excess adhesive.
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 That's it, you're done... Now take it FISHING!
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Intro
Finding the Spine
Reel Seat
Grip
Guides
Finishing and Tip Top
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