Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new Power Wrapper.

Who prefers what, I'm looking at The Rodsmith, Renzetti, Custom Power Wrap and Flexcoat OEM, any others to consider ?

I'll be using mostly for Saltwater Rods, some fly and would like to be able to shape grips on the warpper.

Thanks for any advice/ opinion.

Kev

You're looking at a pretty broad range of machines there. The Renzetti and Custom Power Wrap are the more expensive and more capable ones. If you have the money to spend, then one of those two is going to be a terrific lifetime investment. If you can't justify the $600+ price, then you can consider the Pacific Bay, Batson Enterprises or American Tackle machines, or one of the Flex Coat models. All of these represent a really good value and can get you off and running for about $300.

Personally if I was going to be shaping grips on the rod, I'd opt for the Renzetti with 1/10 HP motor or the CPW with the reduction "gearbox." Not that you can't do it on the others, but the more expensive machines are designed for heavier duty work. But again, if you can't justify the cost, the others are just a tremendous value and will do the job.

...........

I've been using the Pac-bay for about 4 years or so now, still running strong. I've shaped a few handles, even though I suck at it. Image in my mind and the shape that comes out seem to be different. I wish I had the $$ for the Renzetti. I don't care for the tension device on mine, seems no matter how much I tighten it up I can't get any more tension out of it. I'm not sure whether to wait and get a better wrapper or get the upgraded chuck and the new clip on thread carriages that are available.

I ran across the paperwork for my Clemens lathe and the date on the receipt was 1985 (man time flies). I lived along the California coast and used it primarily for saltwater rods. But when transfered inland I made a lot of ultralite and misc. freshwater rods. Work took all my attention for some years and the unit was packed away until this year. I retired 5 years ago but the eyes wern't so good and I didn't feel I would use it again. I almost gave it away once or twice but I saw on the internet the opti-visor and now I'm working on a Bass Cranking rod (am I ever RUSTY). Well to make a long story longer...................lol you might shop around for a used high end unit as they withstand the test of time. Mine works like new and I was even able to upgrade the Thread Carriage to the modern 8 spool unit from Renzetti (most parts are interchangeable). One of these days when it is time to pass it on to the next wrapper I'm going to give a young newbe a good deal on a great piece of equipment that I definatly got my monies worth out of.

dennis in pasadena

I purchased the Pac Bay a few years ago. Very good system for the money ( I don't particularly care for the tension device either though). There was no way I could justify the Renzetti, still couldn't. But I did go out and purchase a Jet mini lathe a few weeks ago for turning wood handles, cork handles, pens, small bowls etc.etc. For the same money as a Renzetti, I feel that I have a better range of versatility. AND, I don't have to worry about getting cork dust or any other turning caused mess around my rod building area.

Jay

I have both the PacBay and a Renzetti. Both are good units. The PacBay has the new chuck head so the blank well not work out.. With the Renzetti you can do more things and the line carrage is much smoother. Yo can't go wrong with ether unite (a Rod Smith is reall a PacBay unite
Good Wraps Bob Kevin you have a hidden email address

The custom power wrap is the way to go. built 200 rods last year at the shop that i work . all saltwater . no problems . just a real nice machine .

Thanks for the replys guys,

Money isn't an issue, I can't justify it but I don't care !! I'm currently negotiating with someone who reckons they can build me the ultimate wrapper featuring things like brakes and reverse, electro magnetic clutch and other sexy stuff, I'll let you know what I decide and post pics here.

Kev.

P.S. Sorry Bob, I don't know why my e-mail is hidden and can't seem to change it, anyway it's pennygum@ozemail.com.au

Hey kevin do you think you can get me one with a turbo and N.O.S.? just kidin

FYI---I just bought the Pac Bay power wrapper and when I received it there was a form that says I get a free rod dryer. The offer is on there web site and is only good if power wrapper is bought before May 1,2005.

I just got a new Pac Bay unit with the rod dryer offer - rod dryer just arrived too. I mainly needed something to turn cork handles and didn't want to invest in renzetti as nice as it is. I fooled around a bit with my pac bay and was having fits getting enough tension on the wraps. Finally, I took the whole tensioner thing apart and tried to figure out how it was supposed to work. Seems like you need to get the thread at least partially sandwiched between the tensioner plates - not just riding in the groove around it. Once I got the thread between the plates and adjusted tension - I got some nice tight wraps. And, yes, I really hate cork dust. And now I like wrapping guides with it - power makes long underwraps go easily.