I am in the market for a power wrapper and have read most of the posts but am still a bit confused. Basically, i would prefer not to spend the $$ for a Renzetti and would like to keep my budget to under $500. I think I understand the logic for continuing with my hand wrapper but ...... Anyway, your recommendations would be very helful in deciding if there is a quality item out there for under $500 or if I need to hold out until I am ready to spend +/-$900 for the renzetti of get lucky in finding one or a Clemens used.

You might check with Renzetti for a basic lathe cost. If that is too high go for a PacBay with the improved chuck. Make sure you get at least 2 beds.

Good Wraps Bob

American Tackle is a nice wrapper. Make sure that you get the upgraded chuck though [www.mudhole.com]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike that wrapper is a PacBay wrapper

Good Wraps Bob

The unit that Mud Hole sells IS an American Tackle wrapper. However, the chuck upgrade is a Pac Bay product. Not much difference, however.

IF you are absolutely positive that you enjoy rod building AND you are going to keep it up AND you really need a power wrapper ... save your money and buy a Renzetti. There is a real difference in quality and it is a "once in a lifetime" purchase.

I've got the American Tackle wrapper and have been really pleased with it and it was well under $500.00.

I agree with saving and going renzetti. I didn't, i have the tubular 3xl i think it is, and i wish i would have gone for the renzetti. My complaint is the slop in the chuck and the fact that the chuck is not perfectly perpindicular to the bed. Not sure if this is a problem unique to the tubular bed model or not, but i do know they use the same chuck.. Kind of hard to swallow the larger price tag, but it is cheaper to buy expensive once than to go cheaper and then buy expensive down the line anyway.

I have the Custom PowerWrap which I really enjoy. I purchased the Renzetti foot lathe for it and the upgraded chuck, and can't think of anything complaints. I still sometimes wonder if I shouldn't have saved and gotten the Renzetti, but I've not used one to see what the difference would be. I had the Pac Bay which is about the same as the American Tackle and sold it after a couple years use.

The Renzetti wrapper/lathe is an excellent product but with all the features you need it will go about double your budget. The Custom Power wrapper will be closer, but with drying and wrapping motors, plus a bed extension, you'll be in the $650 range. The Pac Bay/Amtak wrappers (they are virtually identical) will be well under $500, even with the chuck upgrade.

It all depends on your future uses. If you will be in the "one rod at a time" mode for some time, and do not expect to turn a lot of cork on the wrapper, then the Pac Bay model is more than sufficient to serve your needs. The CPW has more HP and with a drying motor, more flexibility. The Renzetti is just the best quality tool of the bunch, however does not include a drying motor for the price, so not as flexible.

The Pac Bay models will wear out, but you can go through 4 of them before you hit the Renzetti price. You will never need another wrapper if you buy the Renzetti. It's a lifetime tool of the highest quality.

These are all choices we have to wrestle with. If you are a gadet head, then save for the best tools you can afford or you may not be happy with your purchase.

Terry

Thanks for all of the great inputs. I am still thinking but will let you know what I decide on.....