An example of a 4-single rod dc motor rod dryer system. The dryer uses flex coat chucks, 24 volt dc motors, and one of them is controlled by a speed controller. The 3 other dryers use single speed 7 rpm motors. The bases are made of 1/4 inch steel to be heavy enough to not require weights or clamping to remain in position.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Well done Roger. I have enough problems keeping a handle on one rod at a time.But did build a motor with speed controller from going over your help full posts.
Scott

Roger,
Nicely done again. I am constantly amazed at your work. I was wondering what you used for rollers? They look commercial and about the right size, I have not been able to find anything and so have been making my own from Nylon stock or recycled HDPE plastic.

Also, have you ever considered using stepper motors instead of gear motors? I have been playing with them for a few months now and have a prototype PCB on the way. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

John,
I have one system built up with stepper motors and it works very well. But it comes at a high price.
Simply put, there is little reason to spend the money for a stepper motor system, when alternative systems are so much less expensive.

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With respect to the wheels, I found these wheels in a surplus store. They were part of a block a and tackle system. In a jar next to the pulleys was a jar filled with O rings that just happened to be the right size for the wheels.

I wanted the large size since I was only using a 2-wheel system, with no keeper wheel on the top side of the rod.

For my power wrappers, I like much smaller wheels with a 3rd keeper wheel to have less bulk around the rod and to make it easier to have better access to the rod and the guides when wrapping.

Good luck