Okay guys, I need your opinions on the best way to keep thread tension while wrapping. I'm in the process of building my own wrapping jig and I need a way to keep tension on the wrap, even if I need to back off the wrap a little to straighten out some twisted threads. Right now I'm using thread spools mounted on threaded posts sandwiched between Delrin washers. This gives an uneven tension at best, and if I need to back off at all I lose the tension on the wrap. I was thinking maybe a small piece of spring wire mounted on the jig or (God forbid) cutting the tip end of an ultralight rod and using that!
What do you guys think?

Bill

I recently built a wrapping jig from the plans in the library. I too use springs/delrin, but I did add a piece of spring wire. I cut the end off of an umbrella rig, twisted the loop on the end 90 degrees, and fastened it to the thread carriage. Actually I did two; one on the back of the carriage, and one underneath. I originally wanted to be able to wrap either from the back or front, but I have gotten so used to wrapping from the front that the only wire I use anymore is the one underneath.
This wire can be fine-tuned by pre-bending it just the right amount. It lets me rewind 4 or 5 turns if I make a mistake. The springs/washers really don't work too well, though, and sometimes they will bind a little and the initial tension before the wire spring gets too high. I plan on upgrading to one of the small tensioners sold by the sponsors. Actually, what I WANT to upgrade to is a Renzetti - those things look to be the ultimate. It will take awhile to justify, though. Maybe I can see one in person next year in Charlotte.
Steve Broadwell

wILLIAM
I was going to send you a picture but your email is hidden

Look around for an Old Lawn Mower grab the Throttle cable. pull out a piece of the core. Spring steel

William check the photo page I just put a picture of a home made one that you can back up when you make boo boo's

You guys are the best!!! Thanks for the great ideas!
Bill, I'm sorry that my address is hidden, but I don't know how to get it to show up. You can send the picture to me at wbaburchak@stny.rr.com

I'll let you know how it turns out....

Bill

Bill,
Never mind sending the picture. I just saw your post and looked at the pic you posted on the photo page. Very nice! Thanks!!

Bill

O well I did

William,
Click on "My Control Center" at the top of the messages and select "Edit Email Settings and confirm e-mail

Mike

William,
This may be heresy to some but I think that you will have more control and will in time be able to wrap a lot faster if you control the thread with your fingers and not use any tensioners other than your fingers.

Mike
Check the photo page

Bill,

Super! I love the way every single thing is height adjustable! Your ideas will definately go into my next one!!
One of the best that I've seen!!!
Anybody that wants to build a really versatile hand wrapper needs to take a look at Bill's. [www.rodbuilding.org]

Mike

Thanks Mike. It is also a dryer and lath. A nice wood or colored plexe glass or aluminum. Some guys here have made some nice looking ones out of aluminum
Got a picture of the whole thing up but it is a little cluttered



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2005 01:01PM by bill boettcher.

Where's the motor? I thought it was a hand wrapper

Yes it is a hand wrapper
I use a drill like the Flex Coat one does for the lath. Give me a minute and I will stick up a picture of the lath part

Mike

It's up

Nice!! You have it all covered! Thanks

I have posted a picture of the thread tensioner that I built. The biggest help was to wrap the threaded rod with teflon tape. (plumbing tape)

Rodbuilding

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2005 07:01PM by Chris Richer.

Chris, Thanks! I wish more builders would take a few minutes and post pix of equiptment/tools that they make/adapt!!!

Mike