Rod epoxy

[thunderblack]

Hey guys, I have a question. I noticed on almost all my spinning rods with Fuji k series guides the first largest guide always has a small almost like epoxy crack or discoloration. Is this from the epoxy not being thick there? The surface seems smooth.  Just curious what causes this. Some rods are brand new. I'm sure its minor but curious all the same.

[MickD]

I've noticed little cracks on the other side at the base of the frame, but haven't noticed them going around the frame. Mine have never caused a problem, and structurally, they won't fail.  However, if you notice the wraps getting "foggy" looking, or cloudy after fishing in the rain, that would indicate water getting in.  If that happens put a small drop of epoxy on the crack to seal it.

 

I would do nothing unless you see the cloudy wrap.

[thunderblack]

Mick, appreciate your response. I have never noticed cracks in this area either. It's a brand new legend tourney and I feel it's to minor to send back. Thank you

[Angry John]

That happens a lot and one of the rods I sent in for repair had it on almost every guide.  They only repaired one with a chunk out of the thread epoxy.  Failure must be almost none if that's what they do.

[thunderblack]

After looking closer it almost looks like it's just the outline of the guide frame showing through the thread. Where the thread starts to lift off the blank it's just lighter. Looks like a crack but I don't think it is. Almost ever large guide I have looks like this. Either way looks pretty common. 

[spoonplugger1]

When you don't use color preserver on the thread it becomes opaque, easier to see through to the guide foot, as you can see in your photos you can see the unpacked and unburnished thread wraps also. 

[MickD]

When you don't use color preservative on regular nylon wrapping thread it becomes more transparent, not more opaque.  Especially light colored threads.  Even with color preservative on regular nylon, the guide feet will often show through a little.

[thunderblack]

On rods I have with minor cracks you can feel them but these little spots seem to be smooth. It's hard to tell. Is it worth returning? It's a brand new rod but also thinking is may be common on many rods. Guess that's why I'm asking. Thx

[S Hovanec]

The cracks form in the epoxy because the guide foot is more rigid than the blank.  When you flex the rod, the guide doesn't flex at the same rate as the blank, so the differential will cause the epoxy to crack.

[thunderblack]

So a replacement will just do the same you think?

[S Hovanec]

11 minutes ago, thunderblack said:

So a replacement will just do the same you think?

 

Yes, it most likely will.  When I build my rods, I file the edges of the foot so there are no square edges. .  The entire top of the guide foot is round and tapered to both sides.  This seems to have eliminated the epoxy cracking problem on my rods.

[thunderblack]

That's a great idea. Makes sense completely. Appreciate the help.

[thunderblack]

S Hovanec, is it more common for spinning rod guides to have small epoxy cracks vs. casting rods with smaller guides typically. I have a few higher end spinning rods that haven't even been used with minor cracking. Part of me just wants to bring them to a rod builder and have them all re-epoxied but if its a common thing for used rods to have minor epoxy cracks due to flex I'm just going to keep on fishing them. I appreciate all the help.

[MickD]

I really think that there is nothing to worry about here.  I would use the rods and return them only if some functional or major appearance problem shows up.  As others have reported, cracks at the feet are common, but these don't even appear to be cracks.  Having them "repaired" by a rodbuilder will be expensive, and probably will solve nothing.  If you are really worried about the new rods, take them back.  If you have them altered there will be no warranty.

[thunderblack]

Thanks Mick, I appreciate your response. I try and take really good care of my gear so I just wanted to make sure this wasn't something I caused. The warranty being altered is another good point. I'm sure store bought manufactured rods also get handles a lot before you buy them. Thanks