I don't mean to start any arguments, but would like some info on power wrappers...........I am trying to decide between a Rodsmith and Custom Power Wrap.................Which do you think is the better machine? Gene

It's not really a fair comparison because they are in 2 entirely different price ranges. The Custom Power Wrap is the better machine. It also costs about twice or more what the Rodsmith does.

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Yes, see the post just a ways down from yours about the lathe question using power wrappers.

The CPW is a good choice if you are going to do more than occasional turning. It's much more substantial, bigger motor, tail stock options, tool rests, etc. The Rodsmith is a power wrapper that you can do some light turning on.

Terry

I have the Rodsmith RW-3XL and am very happy with it. But as Tom said the two you mentioned are in different leagues. I would suggest you determine how much money you want to spend first. In the lower cost wrappers I would recommend the RW-3XL. If you have the money to spend the CPW or Renzetti and in a league of their own.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

If you're not going to do much turning (I do very, very little) the Rodsmith may be the way to go. I have an American Tackle wrapper an aside form how big a PITB it was to assemble the sections, love it. Especially for the price.
The CPW or Renzetti are wonderful tools but I don't do enough to justify the cost difference.

in maybe an hour i will be able to give my thoughts and impressions of my first ever experience with any power wrapper-a batson's unit. IF ALL GOES WELL(disclaimer)!!!!!

It will take more than an hour to become adept with it. Most folks require a few rods under their belts before they get the hang of power wrapping. What seems awkward or difficult at first, will soon become second nature. You just have to do it for a bit to get used to it.

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Woody,
Read Tom's post and then read it again. When I got mine, I was ready to throw it across the romm in about 5 minutes but have figured out how to outsmart the dang thing. If you do more than 2 or 3 rods a year, they are a time saver.

Hah, same here, it took me a few rods, now i do everything on it. It takes probably 2 minutes to wrap a micro guide including the forhan locking wrap.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

what a great deal! i love it! wish i had some instructions for it but it is all good! i like the foot pedal/speed control. i did find i really needed to slow WAY down when the thread is starting up the guide foot. I sure like this thing!

there is a Pac Bay with delux chuch on @#$%& now for 175,00 # 230328360476

I have both the Renzetti and RodSmith @#$%& when it comes to wrapping guides I still turn by hand, put them in free wheel and turn. Unless i am under wrapping.

Good Wraps Bob

Gene,

I purchased a CPR about four years ago and had second thoughts as soon as I set it up. I had been wrappinig with the thread feed from behind and over the top for twenty years on a combination Clemens parts and home made McGiver. I have gotten use to using the CPR but still am dissappointed that I can not use the internal expansion vises I have become so accustom to using. The only way to use these vises is to cross the belt over. This in turn not only causes premature belt wear but will rob some power from the unit. I had contacted Mnfg about a reverse directional motor and they said nothing was available. Not knowing what your habits are or your preferences are I have found a solution to this rotation dilema. Grainger sell a motor with the shaft that protrudes from both ends and all you have to do is mount it to what ever direction you desire the rotation to be. That being said it is a very good unit and you will not be dissappointed. Order a bed extention unit right away, you will find that you would have wanted it very soon.

Good Luck,
Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh

Jeff,
The easy solution to motor reversal is to use a DC motor.
I have built several rod wrapper setups using 24 volt dc gear motors. I power the motor with a power supply that is foot pedal variable from 0 to 24 volts.
I use a 1:1 belt drive system to my rod chuck and I am typically using a gear motor that will turn at 500 rpm at 24 volts.
For some of my heavier rods with very long butt wraps, I use the motor that has a speed of 1000 rpm at 24 volts. This gets the rod turning in a hurry to get those long wraps done.

I use a double pole double pole throw switch mounted in my power supply box to reverse the polarity of the dc voltage to the motor. The dc motor will rotate in the opposite direction with the reversal of supply voltage.
Simple, easy and quick.

I don't know of any commercia power wrappers on the market which use dc motors, but one can pick up one and use the variable power supply to adapt to your particular wrapper.

Good luck.
Roger

p.s.
If you want any more details, just drop me a line at

hflier@comcast.net