I am torn between the Renzetti and the CPW. I have been hand wrapping up till now ,but don't want to buy something that I will want to upgrade later so these are my two choices. Also What are the pro/cons to the different dryer speeds (ie. 4rmp 18rpm) and do the dryers on these have slip clutches.

Also if anyone has one of the two that they are willing to part with Please let me know.

Thanks



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/2012 12:42AM by tony rodriguez.

I have a Renzetti and a Pac Bay. Didn't like the Pac Bay so I got the Renzetti.

The Pac Bay is fine if you're on a tight budget and not going to build a lot of rods but as with any "budget" item there are limitations and manufacturing shortcuts. The CPW looks like a big improvement on the Pac Bay, it's also a big price jump (@ $500). But for $200 more than the price of the CPU you can buy the Renzetti.

Don

Tony,
A 3rd option is to build your own wrapper.
Think about this:
A wrapper consists of the following items.
Bed
Rod rests - one or more
Power unit, head stock and chuck,
Thread holding device.

A bed can be a simple as a board with hole drilled in it to hold the rod rests, or it can be a fine piece of milled metal to give ultra precise stations. Normally, most folks need nothing more fancy than something to hold the rod rests stable.
Rod rests - can be either purchased or made. Basically a rod rest consists of three round objects to support the rod in a triangle of the wheels. The round objects can be simple skate board bearings or similar bearings with a rubber ring on them to shelter the blanks.
The power unit can consist of a variety of motor types, styles and head stock and chuck.
Again, the thread holding device can be any of several different designs.

If you are handy and enjoy doing that sort of thing then by all means, make your own.

But, if you have other priorities, then by all means purchase one of the fine units that are on the market.

Roger

The Renzetti is set up to be more production friendly, easier to go from task to task. The CPW is lighter and much more portable, stick the 2 sections with all the accessories clamped on under your arm and go wherever you want. This includes a tailstock accessory and tool rest, if you like, for turning grips on a mandrel. The motor doesn't have what it takes for turning wood. With the pully setup on the CPW it gives you many more options than the Batson or Pac Bay, and the headstock they are attached to is an actual mini lathe headstock/chuck.
The base rail on the CPW is the same used on the Batson or Pacbay, so all accessory rail items like thread carriers,etc. are interchangable between them.
The CPW to my knowledge has not slip clutch, I've really seen no need for one, but I guess you may not miss what you haven't tried.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/2012 09:46AM by Spencer Phipps.

i have friends with renzetti's and tried them, but i dont like them. everytime you move to the next guide down the blank you have to take out the thread carriage or the support. renzetti shouldve made it so the carriage slides up n down the blank without taking anything out.