Gdday guys,

greetings from down under. I'm rocky, n i'm so new to rodbuilding, thus, please pardon me for the really newbie question. Now, i know that i can start wrapping rods using V stands, but i think, in the long term that wont do. Therefore will it be possible for the seniors in this forum to give some guidance as to which rod lathes to buy? Reason being is, there are so many brands and types out there and I'm confused. Really need help.

p.s. if mentioning brands are forbidden, a pm would be most appreciated.

Thanks guys
rocky

Not trying to make it seem like I don't want to answer your question, but if you do a search on here, I am sure you will find lots of information that has already been discussed.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2008 10:25AM by Mike Sledden.

The 2 top of the line machines would be the Renzetti and Custom Power Wrap. These are complete rod building machines that can do many things once you add all the various accessories.

The more simple, but quite adept machines from Batson Enterprises, American Tackle and Pacific Bay are good middle of the road choices that do a very good job at wrapping and light duty turning. Their relatively low cost makes them tremendous values.

Flex Coat offers a somewhat unique selection of machines that can be upgraded and retro-fitted depending on what you want to do. Many commercial rod companies use these machines.

Finally, there are a ton of smaller, simple yet effective hand wrapping jigs and wrappers that do very well for many. You may want to start with one of these until you have a better idea of exactly what your long term rod building needs are.

.............

On no!, Tom just called the Batson, Amtak and Pac Bay machines "value machines." How dare he do that!!

Seriously these are good machines and ARE good values. The only thing that holds them back in any way is the lack of commercial accessory parts like those made for the Renzetti and CPW. You can adapt and make many pieces yourself. For somebody starting out one of these would be my choice. There is always resale value in them if you decide to ever move up.

We use a PacBay, and someday we'll be able to afford a Renzetti (about 1,000 rods from now).

You might want to contact Paul Fannon - he's in Tasmania, Aus and can maybe help you more directly. His can be reached at <[email protected]> and is a great guy.time He uses the PAcBay unit.

If you select a PacBay or any of its derivatives, if there's anything we can help with as you go along with this please just contact me by direct email, anytime. Meanwhile do search the forum because there's just a ton of information there.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

I'm with Russ on this...I got a pac bay RW-XL from a friend in exchange for a building him a rod a while back...he already had what he needed for the rod so it only cost me time. the wrapper is really working out the way I want it to...I've done just about everything from turning grips to guide wraps on it with no problems.. and the way it is designed you can take it apart and put it together easily...I use the tubes and rod supports and make a nice hand wrapper to do butt wraps when I'm in a pinch...like Russ I can't afford a renzetti but hope to get one in the future.



Dave

Hi Rocky,

I am a fellow Aussie and yes, rod building equipment is Australia is pretty much non existent.

I have both a Pac Bay and a Renzetti and let me tell you, I would not be without them. I prefer to warp on the Pac Bay and do all turning and shaping on the Renzetti. I have not even assembled the Renzetti Thread Carraige.. I just can't come to terms with the couter clockwise direction fo wrapping.

Anyway, stump up and get yourself a Pac Bay (Rodsmith etc). You will never look back. It will make it so much easier and you will be able to concentrate on the job at hand rather than worrying about the substandard gear.

You will find the international shipping rates reasonable. If you are @#$%& bent on buying locally, try Ross from The Rodworks.

Cheers
Chris

The Renzetti can be set up to turn either direction - you can bring the thread onto the rod from behind and above, or from below and in front.

..........

google ozrods, simon has recently become a major vendor for building supplies in aus and therefore has extremely good customer service.
he has a ton of wrapping machines at the best prices in aus. he's based in townsville and i think you should either give him a call or email as he is really helpful.

How is this done Tom?

The RodWorks is in Australia and he's a sponsor here. Give him a shot if you decide to buy one.

..................

Chris,

The main thread feed arm is lowered to the base of the thread carriage - you can even make a short extension if you want to get it further forward. The reverse thread feed arm is reversed and starts up and is pulled downward under tension. I had photos of this in an older RodMaker. Let me see if I can find it and if so I'll put it on the photo page tomorrow.

...................

Thanks for the inputs guys, really appreciate it. Btw, if i'm intending to get a lathe that can shape grips as well as wrapping threads, what sort of feature will i be looking at? Stronger motor horse power? And can anybody nominate a few make and models excellent for this job.

thank you
rocky

If you want to shape grips I would definitely look at the Pacific Bay with the upgrade machined alloy chuck and headstock. They have 2 bearings in the headstock so they don't run out or flex like the lathe/wrppers with the standard composite chuck and headstock and the Pacific Bay Lathe has enough power for shaping grips. You can usually pick the Pacific Bay Lathe/Wrapper with the upgraded chuck and headstock in Australia for under $600 and they are a good machine. I know a lot of rod builders with the Pac Bay Lathe/Wrapper punching out over 400 rods a year without any problems at all and they have been using them for at least a few years.
If you want the best have a look at the Custom Power Wrap it is one powerful Lathe/Wrapper as it has a reduction gearbox and machined metal chuck and headstock as well as a 1/10 HP Daytona motor and is made in the USA. The only problem is it only comes in 110 volts so a good quality 240 to 100 volt step down transformer will cost you around $100 to $150 and the CPW can be had in Australia for around $1150.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2008 04:08AM by Simon Oakley.

Rocky,
If its not to late I recommend the Pac-bay RW-3XL. Its what I use and suits me fine. If you got the bucks and build 10 rods a week go with one of the more expensive models, but just starting out the Pac-Bay will do fine. Oh, we have them at Johnny's Pond at the Guaranteed lowest price. Yah, I had to make a pitch.

Johnny's Pond
John Petrovsky, Owner
John @johnnyspond
1-888-NO-SNAGS
1-888-66-76247