I was wondering how many of you use the large thread bobbins for wrapping rods as opposed to other thread tensioning devices? Just curious, seems like it would be pretty convenient to me.

I considered that until I began to wonder how I would keep the wraps packed tightly and evenly. I get better results at the supply end by using a stationary point. I am curious if anyone does wrap via thread bobbins and how successful they feel they really are. Patrick

Scott,

When I started wrapping, I used my hands for tension and my fingers for a rod support. I'd wrap the thread around my fingers a certain way and depending on how I flexed the muscles of my hand I could control thread tension. However, I'd have to wash my hands with hot water after every 2-4 wraps. So, I started using a fly tying bobbin (ceramic tipped) instead of my figners. I still hand wrap without any support other than my hands. I buy 100 yd spools for this reason, but I use my standard fly tying bobbins. As for thread packing, since I only have 2-3" of thread between my bobbin tip and my rod blank, I can control exactly where my threads go. Often I don't have to pack or burnish, though I do just to compress the threads a bit.

Rick
rkoontz@andrew.cmu.edu

I feel the same way. I use a bobbin for my wrapping and use my ring and small fingers for tension and adjust accordingly. I then use a burnishing tool to pack the threads when necessary. When using metallic threads the thread tensioner on wrappers can be a real problem with fraying. I have had no problems using the bobbin but it takes some getting used to.

I also use thread bobbins and am satisfied with them. I used to use a homemade tensioning device but didn't like it as well... I feel that I get better control over the tension with the bobbins. Also, you can let the bobbin hang to keep tension on the thread while you prepare for a transition to another color or whatever. I just use the standard size bobbins... cheapest ones I can find a the local fly tying shop.

Count me in the bobbin users category. I made a simple wrapping stand by using a 2x2 base and two felt lined t-stands to support the rod. I screwed 4-5 small ring eyes into the base ahead of where the T-stands are going across the base for different wrapping positions. I insert the bobbin into the ring and it is held in place so that I can begin wrapping. Hope you can picture what I mean. It works very well for me and I've done about 13 rods this past year with this set-up.

Lou

Scott,

I do all of my thread work with the spools secured in a fly tying bobbins. They are cheap, easy to use, have adjustable tension, and the results are great.

I have a bent piece of stainless steel wire that the tube of the bobbin slips into that supplies 'tension' so that I can stop and the thread stays tight (picture the end of the wire bent into a 'C' with the opening very small). I just slip the opposite ends of the wire under the aluminum plate that covers my wrapping table to hold it in place, and it's easy to move laterally.

There's lots of things this 'style' of thread management will do for those of us without a multi thread carriage wrapping apparatus. I can use multiple thread colors, do trims and stuff without cutting bunches of litle pieces of thread, etc. (the bobbin is easy to just tape to the rod blank when it needs to 'rotate' with the rod....).

Good Luck!

Buddy