Just getting started on rod building, and I'm looking to buy a rod wrapper next week. I was wondering if the Pacific bay power wrapper worth getting. What other eqiupment do I need when getting this particular wrapper? Will I have any problems. I looked at the Renzetti Lathes and the Clemens, Its a little expensive for me. I 'm looking to spend about $300-$400 and I think that the Pacific Bay fits my budget. Should I buy one?

MIKE , WAIT ONE MORE WEEK AND BUDGET ANOTHER COUPLE HUNDRED BUCKS FOR THE CLEMENS OR RENZETTI FOR THE SIMPLE FACT OF AS YOU GET MORE PROFICIENT AND DARING IN THE CRAFT I BELIEVE YOU WILL LOVE BOTH CLEMENS AND RENZETTIS ADDITIONAL OPTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE, AND IF YOO TIRE OF ROD BUILDING I WOULD IMAGINE THE CLEMENS AND OR RENZETTI WILL BE AN EASIER SELL FOR YOU. I ALSO BELIEVE CLEMENS IS HAVING A BIG SALE ON THESE LATHES AND FOR THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE YOU WILL HAVE A MUCH BETTER LATHE WITH THE CLEMENS AND RENZETTI PRODUCTS. TRUST ME I HAD A PAC BAY!

I get asked about the Pac Bay unit all the time. The best answer I can give is that it is likely a fine unit when used for what it is intended for.

If you are a professional builder who needs to perform lots of rodbuilding tasks and builds lots of rods, then the Clemens or Renzetti is likely a better bet and the extra money will be well spent.

If, however, you are just building the occasional rod and do not need a lot of extra options, the Pac Bay may well be all you need. I know several people who own them and most are quite pleased. I also know some professional builders who have them and they seem to feel that it is not really meant for large scale rod building work.

I'm sure you'll get some more feedback in the next few days here.

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If you are already square on spending $400, why not save a bit more and put another $100 to $200 with it and get a Renzetti or something? I bought a Renzetti after using a Pac Bay and the difference is much more than $200 worth I can tell you.

Mike, I agree with Tom. I now own a Pac Bay For about seven years and it works great but, it won't do what the others can do. When I got this unit it was direct drive (chuck mounted to motor), I used it this way until Jan/01 when I smoked the motor shaving a handle for a spinning rod. I invested over $100 to retool this unit with a new motor ,speed control, center bearing, pulleys,belts and a pot. to limit motor speed ,(like cruise control on a car). All parts are from PacBay. Now it cuts handles "No Problem". I feel I have learned a great deal while using this equipment and the years before when I would hand roll the blanks to wrap a rod but, now I would like to upgrade to a professional model on which I can do weaving / butt wraps. Mike , if your interested in buying a used (like new) PacBay drop me a line. For someone just starting out it's more than enough to test your curiosity about the art of rodbuilding. Thanks,Dennis

I have the Pac Bay. Works just fine for building a few rods here and there and tinkering around. I found the $500+ cost of the Renzetti a little steep for my budget as well, considering I do this as a hobby and not a business. The Pac Bay suits my needs just fine.

i seriously considered the pacific bay but clemens is having an online sale on their lathe.i just recieved my clemens and i,m really glad i chose it. it can do so much more. bill

Just ordered Clemens today, took advantage of the sale. I toyed with the idea of Pac Bay, Custom Wrapper, Renzetti, Clemens, FLex Coat etc. I decided that if I am going to continue as a business I would have to get into the power wrapping scene. I have hand rolled for 6 years now, but am looking for a quicker process and all inclusive unit. Right now I have drill stand lathe downstairs, hand wrapper in closet, tools here and there. I wanted a compact "do-all". My decision for Clemens is based on reputation, long history, recommendations from others. The only thing I do not like about the Clemens is you can not wrap from in front. I taught myself years ago and wrapping from in front made more sense to me, so I have a learning curve to overcome when my Clemens unit arives.
I would suggest, if you are just getting into it to consider a hand wrapper. Your can easily make one yourself or order one for $50. This way if it is not a lifetime hobby, you do not have much invested (spend the savings on better components for your rods). Later if you decide to do it regularly, you can purchase a true "rod building unit" and use the hand wrapper for rod dryer supports or something.

I bought a Renzetti and have been most pleased with it. I wrap from the back so there is no problem, but if you recall, there is a photo tip in an older RodMaker that shows how to modify either of these units so you can wrap from the front. You just have to add an extension so the thread arm can be pulled down and past the rod to the front.

Does anyone know the issue with the modification? or, can someone describe it well enough here? I would be very interested in modifying the Clemens unit to wrap from the front, unless any of you have a good reason not to.