ROD-MAKING 27 



Tip rings are bound on in a similar way, only the 

 first wrapping is done with wire and finished off by 

 carrying the wire beneath one leg of the tip ring and 

 then pulling it up closely to the wire wrapping (see 

 Fig. V. on Plate). 



As soon as the wrappings are applied, coat over 

 with a good spirit varnish or French polish, and then 

 grip with a piece of clean white rag as lightly as 

 possible between the thumb and finger and turn the 

 joint round as rapidly as possible until the silk is 

 smooth and shiny. Repeat several times according to 

 the thickness of silk and polish. 



Polish the wood with French polish on a pad of 

 white rag, having first of all put a little drop of oil on 

 it. Several polishes should be given at intervals of 

 24 hours, as the wood absorbs polish. Proceed to 

 polish each time until all tackiness disappears, and as 

 a final coat take an entirely fresh piece of rag and 

 repolish with practically all methylated spirit, to kill 

 any grease on the surface. A highly-finished surface 

 should result. The polishing should be done in a 

 warm room. If allowed to get "chilled" it will turn 

 white. 



French polish can be made by dissolving 8 ounces 

 of shellac in a pint of methylated spirit. Put the 

 bottle by the fireside and shake it at intervals, and it 

 will be ready to use in two or three days' time. The 

 bottle should have a loosely-fitting stopper. 



The handle fittings may now be finally attached and 

 the rod given several good coats of rod varnish, 

 which is practically non-resinous, waterproof, and 

 will not crack. Thin coats only should be applied at 

 two days' intervals, as good varnish takes a long 

 time to dry. 



