I need to speed up production and have been looking at power wrappers. I hit the archives to see what had been talked about. The opinions sound as split as democrats vs. the republicans.

I will be using 3 colors (max) so I don’t need an 88 spool rack, laser position system or a gps. I have never seen a wrapper in person. (except MC Hammer in the N.Y. airport) The only features I know about are what are in the product descriptions. Do you need some type of brake? Or does the tension from the thread stop the rod like when you hand turn? I think I’m looking for a striped down professional grade machine. If you have a wrapper please say more than “I have a … and love mine” Tell about a feature you like about it. Thanks in advance.

Robert

Robert,
A lot depends on what you are willing to spend. Power wrapping lathes vary from the cadillac version by Renzetti with outstanding ease of use and durability features and go down in price from there with the other brands.
I personally don't mind the Custom Power Wrap, but improvements with the thread tensioning devices would be welcome. As a power lathe for turning and bed support it's an excellent tool.
The Rodsmith from Pac Bay is an excellent entry level power wrap and will serve for a long time. Many are in use and many like these.
Basically all power wrap machines have features which will help you speed things up and have better alignments for ahcieving top rate results for your custom rods.

In a nutshell, if cost is not a factor, get a Renzetti. IF you want something decent with a motor and all you need to get started you would not be too disappointed with a Batson Power Wrap Machine or a Pacific Bay RodSmith, both are a similar price range and have parts readily available. Also don't overlook the Flex Coat Power Rod Wrapper with a basic support stand and at a good price point.

As to your question about tension. Most of the thread tensioning devices have a back tension that will hold your thread in place while you move away from the work area. Most have a variable foot operated speed control, and by most will allow the option of hand turning usually by disengaging from the chuck.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

We have the Forecast (Batson Enetprises of Rainshadow fame) power wrapper on sale at an exceptional deal until May 31. This wrapper is identical to the Pacific Bay Rodsmith. For our customers in the USA these units ship UPS from our warehouse in Port Angeles, WA.

E-mail us for prices or call toll-free (1-877-303-9331).

Andy Snedden
Custom Rodbuilders Supplies
Victoria, BC

Robert
I own the power wrapper sold by Dale Clemens which looks very much like the Renzetti. I purchased the basic unit and then a extra 4' bed extension, 4 spool thread charriage and an additional rod support for larger diameter blanks (salt water roller bar). I purchased it about 7 years ago so it was a bit cheaper but this machine is a real pleasure to use. The different size pullies allow for variable speeds along with the foot petal, the two different rod supports fit any blank size, the thread carriage has only four places for thread (more that enough for my work), and the thread tension device applies pressure to the side of the spool not to the actual thread. The thread carriage also had a small spring steel arm that will keep tension on the thread while turning backwards to correct mistakes. It will keep tension up to about 5 or so back truns. There is no brake. It stops turing quite quickly when you let off the foot petal due to the thread tension. You can hand turn while wraping without taking the belt off the pullies. I like the extra tension that turning the blank and the motor gives, it prevents backward motion.
I use this to wrap rods and it is very good for shaping cork and EVA foam grips when set to the highest speed. There are many other add-ons to this system but I have not found the need to purchase any of them, you might.
When looking at the current price this system is expensive but I feel that it is worth the price, it is very well built. I am sure it will be the only one that I will ever have to buy. My theory was to buy the right thing in the first place and not be concerened with upgrading later. I am glad I did.
You can check this on the Dale Clemens website listed under sponcors to the left. On the home page go to the downloadable catalog. It actually comes uip on line. The rod wrappers are on pages 65 -68.
Hope this opinion helps, Jim

Hi
I purchased a Pac-Bay Rodsmith about 7 or 8 years ago. It is a good wrapper for the price and for a beginner but, if I could do it again I would spend the extra money on a Renzetti or a Power Wrapper. The Rodsmith can turn cork and customgrip and it wraps the rods ok. I sure wish that it had a way to turn the rod backwards to fix wrapping mistakes. If I had a tool rest when I'm turning cork it would be nice. The Rodsmith does not have any way of upgrading for those things. Renzetti and Power Wrapper have those optionsand much,much more.
Hindsight always has its bitttersweet side.