I have been building rods for about two years and still consider myself a "newbie" to rod building. Recently I bought an old (but functioning) Foredem wood carving motor at a yard sale. Has any one seen this type of a motor used to power a rod wrapper? Any ideas or plans would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...Jeff HIll

Jeff,
If you have enough speed reduction, it would probably work just fine. The motor is essentially the same motor that is used on many power wrappers. However, this could be a very high rpm motor - even higher than some wrapper motors.

If it is an exceptionally high rpm motor, you will have to have more speed reduction in your system for an effective wrapper.

Of course, you also have the issue of creating a good motor mount for the motor. Many of these motors were designed to be hung in the air from a hook. I don't know the details on your particular motor.

Is there an rpm and current draw and or hp plate on the motor? If so, what are the particulars on the motor.

I presume that the motor you picked up was similar to one of these?
[www.foredom.net]

REW



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/30/2012 10:47AM by roger wilson.

While there are speed controllers available for Foredom motors these are FAST in normal use--designed for speeds up to 18,000 rpm. Yes, I've got the decimal right. Realy slow speed on one line of motors lets you get down to 500 rpm. You'd have to go to mechanical gearing or belts to get lower. These are sturdy well made tools, but I can't quite see them dialed down slow enough for wrapping.

Steve,
X2.
Although it would be possible to get the gearing down to what a person might need, there are many many options out there that are really much better choices.

Roger

Steve,
For example, here is a nice 12 volt DC 600 rpm gear motor. It is essentially complete with a built in gear train. Final speeds of 500-1000 rpm are about perfect for a power wrapper.
To use such a motor, you simply a foot controlled variable 0-12 volt power supply with a reversing switch in the voltage leads.
This will give you the perfect speed along with the ability to reverse the motor for a motor price of $12.

[www.batteryspace.com]

Take care
Roger



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/30/2012 11:56PM by roger wilson.

I would like to thank all those who have posted in response to my question about the use of a Foredom motor for rod wrapping. Once again, the experience and insight of the builders on this site is greatly appreciated. As many of you have mentioned, this is a very high rpm motor and after further investigation I feel that there are other motors out there better suited for rod building. Thanks for all of your help.

Jeff Hill