I need to make a purchase on a rod winder one of these days. I have a bunch of rods that need a different hook keepers, a guide etc. I actually don't need it to wind thread, but to coat the windings and avoid sag. Any thoughts on brands or models?

Just get a drying motor and a stand from http://www.mudhole.com/

I have this one, and it works great.http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Dryers/RDS-Rod-Drying-System-9RPM-110V

The CRB stand looks great and the price is pretty reasonable. If you are only going to be using it to finish a couple of guide windings you can make a simple stand by cutting a couple of V notches in a cardboard box to lay the rod in. Place the rod in the makeshift stand and rotate it a 1/4 turn every 5 minutes for an hour or so.

 

I have one that I made many years ago from an old electric barbeque grill rotiseirre (sp?) motor. It works great.

For a few repairs the cost of a drier motor could be more than have a shop do the repairs. I started out turning by hand and glad I did. While it's admittedly tedious, it works and lets you see first hand how epoxy behaves throughout the curing process. If you're dead set on buying one, Mudhole is as good as any. 

Dear Jiggin,

 

That one looks great, and cant beat the price. I've built a bunch of rods in the past and my hand winding just didn't cut the mustard. Always seemed to get sag, bubbles etc. Strictly a cosmetic issue. I had a winder many years ago but it got "borrowed". Thanks for the tip!