What would you guys recommend for a newbie to buy as his first rod wrapper, I would like to buy quality, but not break the bank either. You guys are the most helpful people I have ever had the the pleasure to deal with on the Internet. This site amazes me, you post a question and there is always someone willing to help . Thanks

When I started Building I learned to wrap by hand on a set of padded V blocks on the Kitchen table
Then i built my own rod Machine Works great! now 15 years later I am back to wrapping by hand seem to get better results. You can get a hand wrapper from most of the Sponsers on the Left or Check the Photo pageafter clicking on buy and sell

When I started Building I learned to wrap by hand on a set of padded V blocks on the Kitchen table
Then i built my own rod Machine Works great! now 15 years later I am back to wrapping by hand seem to get better results. You can get a hand wrapper from most of the Sponsers on the Left or Check the Photo pageafter clicking on buy and sell

All you need is a piece of 3/4 by 3" plank, a hand saw, dril, and some screws.
Like said check out the photo page under Equipment for ideas

I agree with you Harvey, where can you find a better bunch of guys that want to help each other. I to am looking for a good wrapper. I thought I had my mind made up on what RPM to use for my dryer motor, I need to take another pole on that one. Any help would be appreciated.

The average is 18 RPM Got to find the speed you like

Most guys do not power wrap their guides. What a power wrapper is good for is sanding cork. I made may first dryer motor using a rotisserie motor and I still use it occasionally
Good Wraps Bob

Harvey. Check out the travelor wrapper by Flexcoat. Under $40 and has everything you need, although an extra tensioner might be useful. I replaced the old home built this year.

I am also new at rod building. I waited for the show so I could see first hand as well as talk to other builders regarding their opinions on a hand wrapper verses a power wrapper for starting out. Most I talked too said if you believe you will be in this for the long haul then go ahead and get a power wrapper. You can still wrap by hand with one until you get comfortable, then use the power. Again, I am new so I am just repeating what others at the show suggested. I went with a Pac Bay because it was a good deal at the show and they are offering a free dryer with it until May 1st. I liked the Renzetti but for just starting out I didn't want to spend that much. I felt using that money for other tools and supplies was a better decision for me. I can however see myself with a Renzetti in a few years....they are very nice! I hope this helps.

Check out Greg Pennell's design in the Library section of this board. This is the one I built, and it has worked great.

-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon

I wrap by hand as well. All I've done is build a couple of roller blocks using gray rubber wheels. On large saltwater rods it would be nice to have a power rapper for long underwraps on big OD blanks. Other than that I'm content with hand wrapping for now.

Good wrappers from what I hear are Pac Bay, AmTak, & Flex Coat. Renzetti if you want top-of-the-line.

Jay

i'm about to start fly rod number 6 and i'm using a cheap hand wrapper i purchased off of @#$%& (it was a means to try one out and then figure out what details could be an improvement, then build my own at a later time). it's been working fine (except for some small details in design) and i find myself turning that blank pretty fast with my fingers. this is a hobby for me and i imagine a drastic slow down in production once the fishing season kicks in.

by the way, i went the premade route only because i live in an apartment, have limited work space and no supply of loose, unused wood lying about the place.

eric
fresno, ca.

I use the netcraft screw clamp rollers and tensioner. Space is a premium for me so I put them on the kitchen counters, dining table, end tables, TV trays, wherever people will leave most leave me alone for a few hours.

My dryer is a 30 motor taped to a pvc blank tube, taped to a floor lamp next to the fireplace mantle where I clamp on my rollers. I'm serious low tech.

I'm working on a living room knick knack shelf that converts into a permanent work station that, when not in actual use, folds up and is visually acceptable to the wife when company is over. Will also be nice for weaves. Any weaving I do now has to be done at a single sitting. With this, I'll be able to do weaves over a couple of days. It will also be able to serve as a drying box.