I have been researching power wrappers for quite some time have have been leaning towards the Flex Coat OEM DL747. My two concerns with this wrapper are:

1. Its base construction of fiber board being heavy and not as strong and durable as an aluminum base .

2.It can not be used to turn/sand cork and eva handles.

My second choice is the American Tackle power wrapper.

I have already received positive responses regarding the FC DL747. But before I place my order I would love any comments on my two concerns and the comparison on these two wrappers. Any other comments regarding power wrappers in general would also be greatly welcomed.

Thanks in advance for sharing you expertise with a new guy. This is a great place to learn!

Rich

My comments will fall under the general wrapper category, as I have never seen the ones you are looking at in person.
I have a PacBay Rodsmith, and I really like it.
There are, however, a few things I don't like about it, and I don't know if other wrappers work the same.
One thing I don't like is with the drive belt on either of the pulleys, it is difficult to spin the rod by hand when working toward the tip end. There will be times when you want to spin the rod by hand. A disengage feature would be nice.
Another dislike is it is hard to get the rod to spin at a very slow rpm while wrapping. Sometimes, like when starting a wrap, I like to turn the blank slower than my machine will go, which goes back to turning by hand.
The last complaint I have is there is no reverse. When you are wrapping at a fast pace, sometimes the thread will wrap over itself 5 or 6 times before you can stop it. It would be nice if you could reverse to rotation while maintaining tension on the thread.

I don't know if this is any help to you, but they are all valid points to think about.

Rich,

I don't know where you're from, but if you were not too far away, you might consider coming to the National Rod Builders Show in February and checking all the various wrapping machines out for yourself. All the Flex Coat, Renzetti, Batson and Amtak units will be on display there.

..........

Rich and Larry. I see where Larry made the comment about reverse. I am not sure there is one out there with a reverse. Maybe there is. The one thing about the DL747 is that the motor has a slip clutch that allows you to spin the rod in reverse by hand. I know what you are saying about the wrap over runs, but I'm not sure I could keep the tension on the thread with a motorized reverse. Also the DL747 and the way it is built, I can take the motor and base it sits on and move it to another bench in my shop and use it for turning cork. I done this for awhile and ended up getting another finishing motor, so now I don't have to move the motors back and forth. I had built my own stands for the blank to lay in as I spun the rod or cork. Since my son has decided to learn the trade, I ended up buying him a wrapper also. Now I have to add on to the shop.

Rich,
I bought a DL713 in 1980 and since then, has seen constant use. I have replaced the motor once. I don't use mine to do any sanding. The DL747 will hold up well. At this point in my life I would like to have a Renzetti; not that I need one... but it would be nice to own one. Do what Tom suggests and try before you buy.

Cheers, Ellis