How to use a gasket system for dipping

[Longrifleman]

Got the gasket system from KK. I've never dipped arrows before. Are the center holes in the gaskets supposed to be enlarged for the arrow shaft, or do you use them as is? (I'm assuming you poke the shaft thru the gasket, dip & pull out to "scrape" excess paint off.) I'm working with CX Heritage 350's.

[macbow]

It has been my experience that the hole is too tight at first. I used a dremel tool with a conical stone to help wear it out.
There is a close line to just right and bad. If there are any rough  (torn) edges it doesn't work well.
A new gasket generally just wipes all the lacquer off the shaft. Not sure about the size of the 350's I mostly did wood shafts.
Ron

[Billy Thomas]

Originally posted by macbow:
It has been my experience that the hole is too tight at first.

ditch the rubber gasket and use a piece of an old T Shirt.

Works perfect

[Big Dave]

Don't enlarge the hole It will wear soon enough. With the gasket system you have to put alot of coats on,how many depends on paint

[Ben Woodring]

The hole works well as is if you're using gasket lacquer, which is quite thick.  If you're using something more viscous it may be necessary to adjust the size of the hole...I like the sound of the t-shirt idea....that sounds like just the ticket for something like a water base urethane.

[Eric Krewson]

Tell me more about the T-shirt idea, I hate gaskets.

[zilla]

The gasket system works just fine.  There are multiple holes so that when one wears out you can use another.. It really helps if you heat the laquer up first.  It works best at ~70°F. I take the tube, up to the oven and leave the oven door cracked a bit so the heat comes out.. Then use it to heat the whole sheenbang up before dipping.

[Billy Thomas]

Originally posted by Eric Krewson:
Tell me more about the T-shirt idea, I hate gaskets.

When i first got my tube I got frustrated with how it wiped ALL of the finish off. I had a bag of rags made from old T Shirts from the salvation army. Doubled over one of them and sandwiched it in place with the lid, just like you would the gasket. Punched a little hole in it with a field tip. After the first dip the cloth is saturated and leaves a nice even coating of finish that, for me, weighs almost exactly 5gr.

The only thing is that you need to punch a new hole after about 6 shafts.