ok, reelmech, flechero & alpster.   and, any/all other rod builders out there.

i'm using a home made wrapper, in fact, i just built a new one.  it works pretty good, but, naturally, i keep thinking about a power wrapper.

what kind of wrapper do you use????

here's the thing, if i do get a power wrapper, i want to get a good one.  i've been reading about the renzetti, but, it's referred to as a lathe.  

1 - i've already got a lathe

2 - i wouldn't want to turn handles, etc., where i'm wrapping, coating, etc., blanks

so, if the only advantage over other wrappers is that it's a lathe, i can save myself some money.  if, however, it has other features that i may need/want, then, i'd like to get it the first go-round, rather than always saying, "i wish i'd gotten....."

so, what's your suggestion??   get one, or not?   ...if yes, what kind do you suggest?

btw,  this hobby is getting more & more expensive.... now, i remember why i quit flying.  Wheeeeeeeeee

Ronnie,

I built my power wrapper myself. I bought some red oak at the Home Depot and most of the parts from a local tackle shop that builds custom rods. It's a sewing machine motor with a pedal control belted to a large pully. I made the rod props in the wood shop by cutting 'V's in the oak and gluing felt to them. I have modified it by adding a motor speed controller (you may not need this option) and I have just gotten new rubber wheels to replace the 'V' props. I am just going to attach them to the same wood. The guy I bought the parts from, sells one completely assembled for $165 which is what I wound up paying for all the parts, but mine is customized to my liking. The cheapest power wrappers I looked at that met my minimum requirements started at over $300. I too have a separate lathe and drying motors. If you want pics, let me know & I will post a few. Hope this is helpfull.

Ronnie

Well, I wondered the same thing when i started...

I'm a "manual" only wrapper. I like to pack as I go and my longest guide wraps are like an inch, so power wrapper won't save me any time. (especailly when doing single and double inlay threads) Besides, I still don't wrap with true precision and need to go slower than some. I don't do underwraps, 12mm is about the largest guides I use and I don't do much decorative thread work so I have no real need for power...

I started with a cardboard box with "V" notches cut in it. ...lol Then to a cabela's wrapping stand and made a more portable one. I'm just now to the point that I really know what I need/want so I'll be building "the" wrapper later this year. ...lol

If you want to see if the power wrapper is right for you, here's a wat to test drive the idea:

Take the chuck off your drying motor and attach to your drill, then take the foot pedal from a sewing machine and wire your drill through it and use the stand from your current wrapper... you now have a power wrapper, or at least enough of one to see if you will want a real one.

Hope that helps!

btw, this hobby is getting more & more expensive.... now, i remember why i quit flying. Wheeeeeeeeee

That from the guy who wanted to show me the "poor" part of town!! ;D

justtrying,

Check your prior threads you asked this question before, about 3 pages ago...LOL

My rod wrapper is an American Tackle

Tight Wraps!!!!

Ronnie,

I built my power wrapper myself.

. If you want pics, let me know & I will post a few. Hope this is helpfull.

Ronnie

yes, i'd like to see some pics, esp the wheels & motor

thanks

justtrying,

Check your prior threads you asked this question before, about 3 pages ago...LOL

My rod wrapper is an American Tackle

Tight Wraps!!!!

and i promise i won't ask again for two more pages....LOL. ... i remembered you had posted your brand, but, i didn't remember I HAD ASKED IT!   ....man, this getting old.....LOL

OK Ronnie,

Here's a few pictures of my rod wrapper. I put together one of the wheel sets that will replace the v-notched supports for the pictures. I have three more to make, as I will also use them for drying, etc.

This is the motor speed control and pedal, I put it on the table so you can see it. You can set to just creep when you push the pedal which gives you amazing control with fine thread and when you get it all lined up you can let it fly and finish a wrap in seconds.

This is a "Pacific Bay" rod chuck, it's a replacement part for their wrapper.

These are the old v-notched support and the new support wheels. The wheel sets are adustable for rod size and height.

This is the motor & pully/bearing assembly, you can buy all these parts in one place.

This is the whole banana, I will add two more wheel sets to make the rod real steady when wrapping. I use a bobin (for fly tying) to add tension to the wraps. Thats why there are no tensioning devices, but you could easily add these if you wanted.

I have wrapped 1/2 dozen rods with this rig and the more I use it the better I like it. I can't wait try it with the wheel supports so I can add upward pressure when tying thread. I enjoyed building the wrapper as much as the rods, most guys will opt for the ready made machines. They will add some features, such as a dryer & lathe capabilities. Anyway, you asked for it.

Ronnie

Nicely done, Alpster!

alpster,

agree, it looks Great!

now, Where did you get the parts?  ..i may be able to convert my present wrapper to a power one.  ...also, wheels, i need at least three sets, possibly four.

And, bobbin...i had thought about using one on the small ends on some of my rods.  have you used other tension devices, or, did you just begin w/bobbin?

neat ideas,  thanks

ronnie

Ronnie,

I bought everything except the wood, wheels and the 'Dremel' speed controler from this place:

BRIELLE BAIT AND TACKLE

800 ASHLEY AVE

BRIELLE, NJ, 08730

Phone:732-528-5720

If there are specific parts you want, this guy is local to me and I can pick up stuff and ship it to you.

The wheel sets I bought on ebay (I got 4 sets) and he had 17 sets up for auction. I will check this guy out and see if he has any more of them. If not, you can buy the individual "Pac Bay" wheels from the guy above and make them the way you want them. Let me know how I can help you out.

Ronnie