In my recent order from Binghan, there was a brochure included from Gudebrod. Inside I found some Rod Winding Bobbins used to apply thread to your rod. They look exactly like the bobbins I have for tying flies.

Does anyone use these bobbins in rodbuilding and when would a 1" stem be used versus the 2" stem? I assume they'd be used for making thread inlays or something similar - I learn something new every day.

I have never used them, instead using small "spools" that I make out of index cards (about 1" square, with v-notches cut at each and and slots to hold free end of thread when not in use) for inlays, but a fair number of folks swear by them, especially for wrapping tips. After doing some incredibly whippy tips lately, I'm considering picking one up just for that. I can see where they would be very useful for that purpose.

I have seen Jim Upton use them in his portable weaving set up but I am sure they would be valuale in a lot of portable type wrapping areas.

A longer stem would allow you to get around higher guides or larger tip-tops.

Another wrapping device many may not be aware of is a tool that revolves around the rod to wind the thread on. The rod remains stationairy. There is at least one commercially made unit of this variety still being produced. More expensive than a simple thread bobbin, of course.

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I do use thread bobbins on my travel lathe and also use them to wrap tip tops and make inlays. I have however made some of my own to do specific work. Those that are used on the travel lathe have a sliding sinker bored out and slid over the long tube of the bobbin to provide tension. Those used for inlay or wrapping tips just use the weight of the thread spool and the bobbin.

I have known guys who use bobbins for wrapping the entire rod. Some hold the bobbin and rotate the rod, some rotate the bobbin around the rod. Tension is a matter of "feel" as you go. I couldn't detect any significant difference between their wraps and mine.

Maybe this is because their wraps are pretty good for freehand work; maybe it's because mine aren't so good for machine assisted work?

Joe Douglas

Tim

I use bobbins to do the entire rod. I wrap for a living and do around 100 to 150 rods per week. The arms of the bobbin apply enough tension and are adjustable by bending. Bobbins usually last me about four or five years then an arm breaks from being bent back and forth to change the tension .


Thomas F. Thornhill

I also use a Bobbin to wrap the Entire rod,turning rod by hand. Only use power wrapper for long underwraps but use the Bobbin then too. Been using it for years

question for thomas thornhill,

thomas,
since you certainly qualify as an expert in this field, what kind of bobbin do you use? ...do you think that everyone would benefit from using bobbin, or, is this just something you began & continue to do today?

the reason i'm asking & being so specific is that i had contemplated using a bobbin to wrap the tip top & a few of the smaller guides on some blanks. ... i just finished wrapping an ultra lite rod & it was VERY small ...i think a bobbin would have helped. ...what is your thought on this?

thanks
ronnie jones

Ronnie

I use bobbins that I buy from Angler's Workshop that are made to fit the standard spools that Gudebrode uses, they are made by Griffen I think.. I like using the bobbins but most people that wrap as many rods as I do just put the 4 ounce spool on the floor and run the tread through their fingers for tension. The reasons I like using a bobbin are no line twist because the tension is on the spool and not on the line and if I have to get up I can let the spool hang and not lose tension on a wrap. Using a bobbin is a preference thing I taught myself how to wrap and just started using a bobbin and like it.



Thomas F. Thornhill

I am in agreement with Thomas. I was taught with a bobbin and find anything else time consuming and cumbersome. It is lightning quick once you get the hang of it and I would venture to say a lot quicker. It ha sits disadvantages I'm sure but it works for me and I can;t imagine doing it any other way. I do however think you need to check your wraps frequently (especially on ling underwraps) to make sure your wraps are tight until you get used to it, but definitely a difference.

Dave D'Ambrosio

I am a relative newby to rod building. I purchased a simple rod wrapper from Anglers Workshop and use it to wrap the guides. It provides tension anda level of accuracy for me. How does one incorporate a bobbin into the wrapping? Is it used instead of the rod wrapper? How do you use a bobbin?

Thanks.