Dragon Scales are a simple and effective means of adding pizzazz to an otherwise plain-jane rod. While there are many variations such as the spiraled marbling developed by builders like Jim Trelikes, the basic form and foundation of the wrap is as follows:
1. Layout and spacing for the under-wrap is the same as you would do for a simple diamond or chevron.
Dragon Scales look best when done on multiple axes, using thicker thread which gives a more pronounced effect.
For this wrap I chose to use size "E"
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/unchained_colors/Mobile%20Uploads/20150921_172215.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/unchained_colors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150921_172215.jpg.html)
2. Bright metallic colors lend good contrast for the over-wrap.
Carefully pack threads and adjust wrapping tension as needed to prevents gaps from showing.
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/unchained_colors/Mobile%20Uploads/20150921_190301.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/unchained_colors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150921_190301.jpg.html)
3. Two coats of finish lock the over-wrap in place. An initial thin coat helps with bubble release--a common problem working w/metallics. (http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/unchained_colors/Mobile%20Uploads/20150922_180257.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/unchained_colors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150922_180257.jpg.html)
4. A simple spiral wrapped in bands and tucked under faded end-caps completes the look.
For a smooth-looking wrap, I prefer to apply a thin coat of finish to the highest point first--the end-caps--followed by a few medium
coats of finish over the middle section only. This portion of finish over the scales is gradually built up until it is reasonably level with the
end-caps. A final thin coat of finish over the entire wrap blends everything together.
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/unchained_colors/Mobile%20Uploads/20150924_093214.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/unchained_colors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150924_093214.jpg.html)
5. Completed pair of 8' ultralights..:)
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/unchained_colors/Mobile%20Uploads/20150925_082900.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/unchained_colors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150925_082900.jpg.html)
Chad
Very nice Chad. I love dragon scales
Beautiful work, Chad --
Lots of talent!!
Best,
Fred
Much nicer than the clubs I build.
Great talent :)
Awesome work Chad!!!!!
.....Lou
Nice work Chad. I'm slowly learning the different methods of wrapping from the books you suggested to me. Reel and rod work go together like Apple Pie & Ice Cream. IMO
Joe
very nicely done, sir. what kind of rod lathe are you using? CRB?
Very talented...thanks for sharing Chad.
Sal
Thanks for the kind words gentlemen, I am but a small fish in the very big pond of rod building.
Quote from: Reel 224 on February 10, 2016, 02:21:05 PM
Nice work Chad. I'm slowly learning the different methods of wrapping from the books you suggested to me. Reel and rod work go together like Apple Pie & Ice Cream. IMO
Joe
Joe I'm glad those books are helping, now you've got me craving for apple crisp/apple crumble with real vanilla ice cream..;)
Quote from: thorhammer on February 10, 2016, 02:28:33 PM
very nicely done, sir. what kind of rod lathe are you using? CRB?
Thanks, I use a plain old PacBay RW-3L extended to 12ft--mostly for light sanding, marbling, and long under-wraps.
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/unchained_colors/pacbay%20rw3l.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/unchained_colors/media/pacbay%20rw3l.jpg.html)
Guide and decorative wraps are all done by hand.
For shaping grips I use a modified drill press, but really need to finish building that simple homemade lathe I started on 2 years ago.
Chad
Very nice work Chad. If you were to add an Alps chuck to your set up you would really be amazed at how much better things would get for you. It is a very rugged unit and gives you three speed choices on the drier due to the pulley arrangement with the same motor you already have. I too need to make a little mini lathe of some sort for working on EVA but bench space seems to be an issue. Kind of maxed out for now.
Quote from: Newell Nut on February 11, 2016, 01:46:17 PM
Very nice work Chad. If you were to add an Alps chuck to your set up you would really be amazed at how much better things would get for you. It is a very rugged unit and gives you three speed choices on the drier due to the pulley arrangement with the same motor you already have. I too need to make a little mini lathe of some sort for working on EVA but bench space seems to be an issue. Kind of maxed out for now.
I just bought Alps rod building unit w/upgraded chuck, they say you can use it far shaping cork grips as well. I haven't received it yet but it is replacing my old hand wrapping unit. I think I made a good choice.
Joe
Chad: Where do you get the "E" thread?
Joe
The unit will shape EVA and Cork just fine. Problem is it makes a mess so keep the shop vac close by. You will want to pop a hole in each section of the track and screw it to your bench top for stability. If your bench top is not perfectly level and smooth you can shim with a piece of tape two where needed to get the track as straight as possible before attaching to the bench top.
I am trying to do most of my shaping on what I call my dirty bench and keep my wrapping bench clean. Just a personal thing.
Quote from: Newell Nut on February 11, 2016, 02:34:24 PM
The unit will shape EVA and Cork just fine. Problem is it makes a mess so keep the shop vac close by. You will want to pop a hole in each section of the track and screw it to your bench top for stability. If your bench top is not perfectly level and smooth you can shim with a piece of tape two where needed to get the track as straight as possible before attaching to the bench top.
I am trying to do most of my shaping on what I call my dirty bench and keep my wrapping bench clean. Just a personal thing.
Thank you for that information, my bench top is level as I just built it I have to do some more work to it before I set up my rod wrapping station. I have a good shop vac, but you got me thinking about the mess cork and EVA makes, that dust would reek havoc on the finish if it wasn't completely clean.
Joe
Joe,
Best bet is to make all the mess at one time with your cork/EVA grips on the lathe, clean up, then once you start wrapping don't do anything that's going to raise a lot of dust, and position your rod dryer out of the way so that you can do other things while the rod dries.... since you're in the design/building stage I thought I'd offer unsolicited advice.
Sid
Quote from: sdlehr on February 11, 2016, 03:17:49 PM
Joe,
Best bet is to make all the mess at one time with your cork/EVA grips on the lathe, clean up, then once you start wrapping don't do anything that's going to raise a lot of dust, and position your rod dryer out of the way so that you can do other things while the rod dries.... since you're in the design/building stage I thought I'd offer unsolicited advice.
Sid
Sid: Every bit of advice you give me is wheel taken.
Joe
If you do what I do then you will almost always make a little mess on the lathe that must be cleaned up before starting guide work. I personally do not like squared off EVA in a bigger OD that my reel seats so I taper all of my EVA and blend the ends into the reel seat and the butt cap as well. Then add the shrink wrap for a nice finish. Clean up really good and then attach guides.
Quote from: Newell Nut on February 11, 2016, 09:04:39 PM
If you do what I do then you will almost always make a little mess on the lathe that must be cleaned up before starting guide work. I personally do not like squared off EVA in a bigger OD that my reel seats so I taper all of my EVA and blend the ends into the reel seat and the butt cap as well. Then add the shrink wrap for a nice finish. Clean up really good and then attach guides.
Basically that is what I would do to shape or taper my cork/EVA to fit the reel seat or finish to the rod thread check. Like I have said before I'm just starting out with advancing my rod building skills, so this is a learning curve for me. In other words, you guys are the experience I'm the sponge.
Joe