I’d like to hear some opinions on the Pac Bay power wrapper. I have a hand wrapper now and want to upgrade.

I have one and love it. I upgraded to the alps chuck and headstock and highly recommend it.

The below is a great thread that is only weeks old about how people feel about power wrappers:

[www.rodbuilding.org]



The PB wrapper is fine just like the others , the biggest complaints about power wrappers is the "Chuck" so consider purchasing one with the upgraded chuck.

The need of a power wrapper is a personal choice and many builders would not be without one and just as many do not see the need. I built my own power wrapper when I first decided to start building rods simply because I figured it must be better and I have learned from years of experience it is foolish to skimp on tools. However, I rarely use the power function for actual wraps due to mine being a bit more involved than most, having to start and stop frequently and at a precise point. But when I am doing underwraps or something like a Tiger Wrap, the power ability is a God-send! Another point in favor of a power wrapper is being able to use both hands on the wrap. To be honest, I have delayed employing Roger to make me a proper foot pedal and may use the power function more if I had such. There are veterans on this site who build 300 rods per year and do it all by hand. Others may give up the craft if not for their power wrapper. So the choice is up to you. Any wrap can be performed by hand, but there may be times when power is certainly a help.
This topic seems to pop-up every few months or so. Hopefully you receive many replies to help (or possibly confuse) your decision, but if not it is simply because many may feel it is beating-a-dead-horse.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I got my pac bay -American tackle wrapper 8 year ago with the upgraded chuck it has held up well. I repair over 100 rod a year with it. if you do get one keep a spare belt on hand as they wear out

Brad,
I have 0 interest in drying rods by hand.

I have built many dryers over the years.

This is a picture of a recent one using a variable speed dc motor and a Flex Coat chuck with an integrated clutch. This is really the best of both worlds, since one can dial in the speed that one wants for finish application if you wish, but have the clutch in the head to stop the rod for finish touch up and or application.

Then, once the finish is as one would wish, turn down the dial to the overnight drying speed.

As you can see from all of the various holes in the metal, this base was used for many different setups over the years.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Roger,
I am in total agreement with you and always use the variable speed, power function of my wrapper for applying finish to my wraps. The rods are then placed in a drying/curing cabinet that I built to avoid dust contaminating the epoxy while they rotate at 9 RPM.
Brad’s wording suggests he was inquiring about power thread wrapping.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark,
10-4 on the use of the power wrapper for thread.

In the same vein as drying by hand, I have 0 interest in wrapping by hand.

Use a high quality power wrapper with excellent control, and the ability to reverse and you won't look back.

Be safe

Roger,
One of these days I will employ you to fabricate a proper foot petal for my wrapper as I am certain yours would be much better than anything else available.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.