Any questions to russ@reelfoto.demon.co.uk
DIY rod ring replacement is not the technical matter that starting with a new blank can be. After smoothing the ring feet as shown last week, it is a simple matter of taping one of the ring feet to the blank with some Selotape so that it is in line with the existing rings. Using whipping silk as close to the original colour as you can get, simply wind the silk in butting turns up over the ring foot until you almost reach the ring strut. The simplest and easiest way to finish the whipping is to bind a loop of fine monofilament or tying silk under the ring whipping for the last ten turns or so. Then pass the free end of the whipping silk through the loop and pull it back under the whipping, so trapping the loose end and finishing the whipping very neatly. Now with a very sharp blade, trim the tag end right back to the whipping, if there are any stray ends, quickly pass a cigarette lighter over where the tag end comes through the whipping, effectively singeing away any loose strands. At this point the whipping is still vulnerable and will work itself loose if it is handled to much. Carefully tease the loops of the whipping together so that there are no gaps and either give it a coat of quick drying dope used by model aircraft builders or coat it with the specially made rod ring epoxy finish. Next week applying epoxy finish to the whipping.
Any questions to russ@reelfoto.demon.co.uk