Want to start to do more 3 & 4 color wraps. I use a Pac Bay power wrapper, and the carriage only holds two spools of thread. I purchased the old style carriage that holds 4 spools, but it's not really user friendly.

Any other thoughts on how to do so? I am possibley even in the market for a new wrapper, so that's an option too.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

I hold the thread in my hand for multi-color wraps, never bothering to even put the spools on the carriage. I suppose it all comes down to how you prefer to do things. The Renzetti will hold 8 spools. I'm sure what you have could be modified to hold more than 4, but it might take a little thought.

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4 colors would be plenty, and just 3 would do it. The "good" carriage I have only holds 2 colors - the other that holds 4 is not really user friendly.

Are you attempting to wrap directly from the thread on the carriage to the rod?

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No - the older 4 thread style Pac Bay carriage uses a tensioner like the Flex Coat wrappers - spring pressure discs the thread runs between, and then thru a hook type guide - then to the rod. I guess the crux is there is only one tensioner for 4 thread spools, and you kinda tie yourself in to a Bimini Twist if you change colors too much.

The carriage that holds two spools is excellent design.

What I meant to say, was are you using the thread carriage in applying the thread to your decorative wraps. I know some do it this way, but I never use the carriage when doing butt wraps - I cut the thread to length and run it through my fingers. From what you've written, I'm assuming that you're working directly from the carriage, just as you would when doing guide wraps.

I'm not up to speed on the carriages on these type wrappers currently. I have a Renzetti and know it will handle 8 spools at a time.

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I still use bobbin holders. The weight of the hanging spool keeps the thread in place while swapping colors. I have not been able to even wrap a guide with my thread carriage.

Hi Marc,
I'm a hand turner and for inlays etc just use pieces of thread and it suits me. Made my own thread tensioner which I'm sure you could adapt to a power wrapper with some thought. It holds two spools, with two eyes for each spool. One is a tip and the other is stainless TIG wire wrapped around a screw driver shaft which enables the thread to be removed and inserted without cutting the thread if required. Could make something bigger that would hold four spools without much effort.
Link to the tensioner pic [www.rodbuilding.org]

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

I don't have one but am sure there is a way to keep the plate Add recesed head bolts ( 4 ) to it and add washers springs and wing nuts

Routing the thread is up to you

or even add a vertical post with 4 bolts on it

Bill - willierods.com

Lay the thread behind the carriage and bring it through the tensioner with the others? OR, take an old spool and load half with 1 color and the other half with the other color and do that for each spool to get the number of threads you want.

KK

Kevin Knox
ANGLER'S ENVY CUSTOM RODS
QUEEN ANNE, MD 21657
#_#_#_#_#
www.anglersenvy.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2012 08:01AM by kevin knox.

Not trying to hijack this thread but I want to try the bobbin technique. Is there a B&M store where I can go to pick some up. Also, which ones do I get for the traditional Gudebrod 100 yard or 1 once spools? Mudhole can't be the only place, and they can't cost 1 million apiece.

Find a store in your area that sells fly tying stuff
Bring a spool with you

But they can be adjusted buy bending them CAREFULLY

Bill - willierods.com

Fly shops will have them, and they will hold the 100 yd spools. Most of the thread used in fly tying is made by Gudebrod on the same spools that we use for rodbuilding. Just google "Fly tying bobbin" and you will see them. Make sire you get the ceramic lined bobbin, they last longer.

Kevin Knox
ANGLER'S ENVY CUSTOM RODS
QUEEN ANNE, MD 21657
#_#_#_#_#
www.anglersenvy.com