Just started collecting old manufactured hand wrappers. Thought using a coffee cup an a phone book was slow and challenging. How ever I'm finding some to be rather ingenious. Just looking at the sport from a different angle.

Paul, good for you; I suppose nothing compares to appreciating vintage rods as much as using vintage equipment to perform such. An “old-school” wrapper just might produce the same quality rod as a new version. No one can argue a notched cardboard box to support the blank and the thread running through a phone book for tension cannot produce a very fine rod. While there are those who enjoy the aspects of vintage rods, and blanks, such as me, I have to say you are the first I have heard of seeking vintage wrapping equipment. My hat is off to you = go for it! Post some pictures.

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

I’m going old school next week also. Helping my son with some projects but still want to know out this glass fly rod. I’ve stripped all my tools down to the basics. I’ve broken out an old Thompson/Herters wrapper. I don’t see an issue should be fun.

Good upon ya for bringing in a next generation an offering a taste of back in the day. One hint on the Herters , I put a piece of cork tape on the spool carrier back, to smooth out the turning of the thread feed.

Paul. I covered the spool carrier with a thin piece of aluminum sheet stock. Runs smooth. I always wondered why if Herters was “the worlds finest” they left that casting so rough.

If you take the long view, putting the design in historical perspective, if its the only horse in the barn, than you ride it. In their defense I will offer. They did make a number of improvements to the hanger arms. Three I'm sure of and perhaps a forth.