I am thinking about getting a flexcoat speed wrapper 2, is this worth the money and will it last?

They make good stuff. Don't expect it to be as versatile as the more expensive lathes talked about here though. As a hand wrapper, it would be very good. Flex Coat's motorized units are not gear reduced and thus speed control is very tricky.

I recently purchased the Pac Bay wrapper and believe that it is worth what you pay. I am sorry that I didn't spend the extras money to buy the Clemens base unit as I believe it would be worth it for the quality upgrade, but the one I got is still a good unit. I wouldn't recommend the Flexcoat power wrappers for the same reason as stated above and that wood just doesn't seem to be worth the money. For the same amount or maybe a little more you can get an aluminum base and better supports. I know that it is not necessary to have the tolerances of aluminum for rod wrapping, I just believe that the unit is more durable. Tight Lines.

I am thinking about the un-powered one, so is it a good buy?

Brian,

I can't tell you if it is a good buy for you, I do not know what you are using now. For it's intended purpose the Speed Wrapper 2 works just fine. If you are not ready to spend big bucks on a lathe, the Flex Coat wrappers will work for wrapping. They have the same thread tensioner as the Pac Bay mentioned above. If you are new to rod building, there is no reason at all to buy a top dollar lathe right now. Good luck with your building.

Bill Doherty

I would agree. For hand wrapping it is an excellent unit.

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