What if any is the difference between the Pac Pay and American Tackle rod wrappers? They look the same. If they are the same who actually makes them?

They're sourced from the same original supplier in the orient. There may be minor differences depending on how each company specs theirs. You'll have to inquire with the companies or take time to look them over closely.

Both, along with machines from Batson and Renzetti, will be on display at the 2009 ICRBE.

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I've got an American Tackle wrapper that is doing me a fine job thus far.

Myself, I prefer the roller stands and wing nut hold down method on the Rodsmith version.
I have one Amtak lathe and the top roller on the stands is only spring loaded.
Also, if choosing a lathe, go with the aluminum chuck right off the back, you'll be glad you did.
I also ordered several extra roller stands for each of mine.

I have both the POWER WRAP and PAC BAY, with new chuck.

The power wrap is much better for heavy turning work, such as sanding grips etc.
Also for old rod restoration, where the rod is out of balance or the blank may no longer be straight, I really like the wing nut lock down system.
The down side of this unit in my opinion, is the aluminium track is rubbish. It is very light gauge and twists and vibrates very badly. I am purchasing a heavy piece of timber, so I can screw the track down, to stabalise it.

My old Pac Bay lathe is good for most rod building projects and I would recommend them without reservation to the home builder.


Paul

I fish therefore I am.
www.hookeduprods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/22/2009 12:48PM by Tom Kirkman.

I should also mention that the Pac Bay Rodsmith wrapper also comes with a thread carriage which has horizontal spool mounts, much nicer to work with and no thread twist.

I've had no issues with the track, but I have it mounted to and slighty recessed into the particle board top of my bench. I have three sections in all set up with an optional spare fourth which I rarely need. I'd love to see a one piece track but shipping it would be near impossible and I'd need at least a 12' track. If assembled on a flat surface the seams are nearly perfectly smooth, the roller tray does feel the seems if a wrap happens to fall in the location of a seam between the two tracks. Usually just choosing the opposite spool tensioner will solve that issue though.
Power wise, the Rodsmith and Amtak lathes are identical, they both use the same motor which is no more than a sewing machine motor.
I've used my Rodsmith wrapper to turn grips before but usually just use my regular lathe to keep all the dust away from the building bench.
Both the Amtak and Rodsmith have good power.

I've looked at the newer tubular style Rodsmith wrappers but think I prefer the extruded track better. I could see dirt or epoxy getting on the rails and jamming up the roller brackets. I can also remove and install extra roller brackets without having to slide them all the way down the entire track.

I need to upgrade from my junior model and like this discussion. So both the Pac Bay and American Tackle power wrappers are sectional. This is important to me as my wrapping and drying needs to be portable and the changing of length needs to be smooth and practical. Does one (including Batson and Renzetti) have an advantage in this regard? thanks, Chris

The Batson is not designed to be broken down regularly. It's a very nice wrapper, but it's 2 separate tracks that are held together with screws and a brackets. Ideally, you'd want something that the 2 tracks slide together if you want something easy to take down and transport.