Making windons

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

Here's a how to for you guys that like to do things yourselves. I do a few things differently.

http://72.34.57.68/index.php?option=...23&Itemi d=63

[txseadog]

I make mine differently as well, using a double wall of spectra.

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

txseadog,

Could you explain how you size each leg?

I have a hard time with typing words that describe what I know to do...

[Snagged]

I'm with Kevin on this.
I start with about 8 to 10 feet of hollow spectra.
Mark the center.
I then use a loop puller to pull one leg of the spectra through the other. On the center I clip on a ball point pen to hold my loop.
I slide the outer leg of the spectra up to the top of the loop (this is where the pen is needed as it acts as a stop).
I'll the taper the mono to fit into a hollow needle. Note: On heavier mono a much longer taper is needed to prevent spectra failure at the end of the mono.
I then slide the spectra inner leg onto the mono to the loop, pull the outer leg down to the inner spectra end, glue and serve. This gives me an adjutsable loop with the mono in the loop itself.

[txseadog]

My process is very similar except I leave off the glue.

Originally Posted by Snagged

I'm with Kevin on this.
I start with about 8 to 10 feet of hollow spectra.
Mark the center.
I then use a loop puller to pull one leg of the spectra through the other. On the center I clip on a ball point pen to hold my loop.
I slide the outer leg of the spectra up to the top of the loop (this is where the pen is needed as it acts as a stop).
I'll the taper the mono to fit into a hollow needle. Note: On heavier mono a much longer taper is needed to prevent spectra failure at the end of the mono.
I then slide the spectra inner leg onto the mono to the loop, pull the outer leg down to the inner spectra end, glue and serve. This gives me an adjutsable loop with the mono in the loop itself.

[Pescador]

I've been making these damn things for years.
But when I started I had to teach myself with no pc or outside advice.
All I had was a few look-sees at what I came across on a charter in Mexico.

I experimented and tested until my wife thought I'd break the garage floor with the crump of my test rig going off!

Now I can make a 4inch splice, with only 2x1/4inch glued sections, that will take a full 56lb weight off the floor AND jerk it up and down without separating. (and YES that is a four inch splice)!

My experiments made me realise that the answer didn't lie in the LENGTH of the splice but in HOW TIGHT the splice gripped the mono.

So here is my 6cents worth - make of it what you will.
*Spectra will not grip the leader material as tight as nylon.
*For the loop, whippings and leader use only nylon.
*Nylon can be 'shrunk' using easily available rod building materials.
*The leader inside the splice can be weakened by 50% (because the strength is a combination of leader AND sleeve material).
*A new wind-on leader for each good fish demands a quick production time.

So, to make up,
Use a scalpel to make slices into the mono to MAKE it grip inside the nylon sleeve.
Use high quality, hollow core, nylon (available from English Braids UK).
Make 2 or 3, 1/4inch 'out and back in' passes with the leader material as it goes up the sleeve.
Whip only these 'in/out areas with fine rod guide whipping thread.
Shrink the whipped 1/4inch areas onto the leader, using thinned guide wrapping epoxy polymer- 2 coats.
Whip the splice end as normal.

I make my loops 'Tanaka style' which eliminates the doubled sleeve material and makes a smoother and thinner loop joint.

[Ragman]

Hey Pescador that sounds very cool, but I cannot visualize it! LOL

Do you happen to live around the Dallas area? If so, I'd like you to join the next get together and demonstrate...

If not, do you have any visual to post?

Thanks for the addition to this thread!

[Pescador]

Sorry Ragman I live nowhere near the Dallas area ...............but somewhere over 2000 miles east!

Pm sent.

[Ragman]

Ah, well then yes too far!

Thanks for the PM to send me one!

I'll show everyone that's interested to take a look!

[SpecialK]

AFter reading through this a few different days and getting materials in. I just got in a batch of hollow spectra my needles. I just made my first windon. It held up 60lbs from a tree no problem!!!
I reallly do appreciate all of the info on this forum!