Rod Binding Thread

[chonna]

A quick question for the rod builders out there.........

Is rod binding thread, the "only" thread that can be used???

or would some of the stuff other shops sell, like spotlight, work if colour preserver is applied??

the reason i ask is that some threads are worth $10, yet i reckon a bit of money could be saved by looking into other options.

Has anyone investigated this before????

[Owen]

You can use any polyester or nylon thread.
Stay away from any rayons.
You will need colour preserver with any embroidery thread as they are coated with silicon to feed through machines better.
Embroider threads are generally used for decorative wraps rather than guides etc as they are usually smaller. A #40 thread is smaller than an "A" thread, so wrapping anything but small guides becomes a pain. They are fine for underwraps, but packing is more critical due to the smaller size.
Some brands are also very easily broken and tend to be "fuzzy".

I use Madeira a lot and I know Mark (Outback) uses a couple of others.

[Mark Fisher]

I use several different brands including Mettler Polysheen, Madiera and
Brother. The colour range is fantastic but there are a few little intricacies you have to get used to. Some of the Polyesters will fray if you slip with your packing tool. It does take some practise to pack your thread wraps without accidentally breaking or fraying threads. The advantages are spectacuar and far outweigh any problems. Like Owen said, you must us CP on your wraps though I have had good success with no CP when doing Tartan wraps. The trick her is to aply the thinnest coat of epoxy you can. Just enough to wet the thread. This doesn't give the thread the chance to "shed" or fisheye. The second coat is usually heavier and covers any small problems. Give them a go. You will be pleseantly surprised.

Mark (Outback)