Hey guys-

I think it may be time to step up and purchase a power wrapper. I've begun building medium and heavy-duty boat rods for some people and think it would be a wise investment. I'm hoping to gather some information from those with experience regarding the best overall machine to suit my purposes.

Ideally, I'd like a unit that I'll be able to shape both synthetic and cork grips with, as well as make the process of underwrapping go considerably faster. I've been using the Flex-Coat hand wrapper for a bit over a year now and have become rather efiicient with guide wraps, etc. I'm sure I'll still be using this for flyrods and lighter in-shore blanks through the years.

So...I'd like to stay in the "reasonable" price range; not looking to drop more than $300-$400. Any thoughts on the pros/cons of the Pac Bay vs. Flex Coat wrappers? Does one unit perform certain tasks better than the other? BTW, before any makes this point, I'm unable to get to the show in NC this year--though I did enjoy the first one!

Thanks in advance.

If you do a search on here, I am sure you will find many posts that deal with this question. Has been asked many times before. If you are going to use it for both turning and wrapping, just make sure you have a good way of collecting up the dust when turning. Myself I like using my Jet lathe in the garage for turning handles and leave the mess there than in the room I wrap in.

Also check the Buy Sell page

Hi Joe,

I second Mike's suggestion on a separate lathe for turning grips than your wrapping station. There are several lathe selections in the $100 to $160 range, and you can probably pick up a used Pac Bay power wrapper in the $200 to $250 range. Now you get 2 toys close to your
budget. :-) I just ordered a new Turncrafter Midi lathe from Penn State Industries and am anxiously awaiting its delivery.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Terry

Go with the Flexcoat OEM 747. It's great. One of the board sponsors from Texas (can't remember which one) had it for about $350.

Personally, I wouldn't sant/turn at my wrapping station (just my opinion) I do it in another room on a Turncrafter. Dust is a builders biggest enemy

Mike

Joe,

Pac Bay's Rod Smith wrapper is pretty nice, comes in from $300-350 retail. They just announced a deal through authorized distributors to include a free drying motor and roller stand with the purchase, to run through March. Its already a great value, and add a $95 dryer... makes it pretty sweet. Several board sponsors carry Pac Bay- its worth checking them out.

Steve

Hi Joe, I`m in the same boat you are. I`m seriously looking at the flexcoat. I see your email is cox.net . I was going to email you but it comes up hidden. email me, we can discuss the lathe. Thanks Tom

Tom, Joe, if you are interested in a Flexcoat wrapper or have any questions give me a call at 804 746-9711 .The DL747 is a dream to use,until I got one about 3 weeks ago I was using a sewing machine motor ,all this time I had no idea what I had been missing out on. If you are looking for a deal give me a call.

After doing much research, I choose the Flex Coat OEM 747. I am very happy with this unit and find it to be real joy to use. I can not find anything I do not like about it. I bought it from Fishsticks4u ( one of the sponsor's of this site) who gave me an excellent price.

Rich