I am in the market for my first power wrapper and I really want to get the flex coat power wrapper but there is one thing that looks like the Alps would be a better choice. It doesn't look like the flex coat thread carriage slides as close to the butt end of the rod as the Alps does. This looks like it would make it more difficult to do butt wraps. Am I way off base here or is it easier on the Alps machine?

I don't own one, but from the pics it appears the thread carriage will slide all the way to the motor base.

Christopher

Thanks for bringing this up. I recently talked with a customer about this very issue. Our thread carriage has a sliding dovetail that guides the thread. The thread guide can get within 1 ¾" from the self adjusting chuck face as the standard design. If you desire to get closer to the face of the chuck it is possible, even down to zero. I build and wire every machine that goes out the door. I make customizations all the time, sometimes at no additional charge. I can make this change to a zero stop on the thread carriage to chuck face at no charge.

This DC777 is a game changer and I believe the best on the market today, all made by hand, one at a time right here in Driftwood, Tx. If you want to call and chat, I am here and welcome the call. 512-858-7742

[www.youtube.com]

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Christopher,
When I was in the market for a power wrapper, I liked the Flax Coat unit the best mainly because of the rod supports mounted to the rear, vertical track rather than the base which allows the thread tray unobstructed movement along the entire length of the unit = a big plus! While I ended-up fabricating my own power wrapper, I employed a number of basic features from the Flex Coat unit.
One thing to keep in mind while deciding which unit to purchase is the WRAPPING DIRECTION; front-to-back or back-to-front. I prefer front-to-back but many prefer back-to-front = it is a personal choice. I feel it is easier and more precise to add or drop threads to intricate wraps from low and in front rather than from high and behind. Also, accurate, easy variable speed and reversibility are huge benefits.
While all the available wrappers will get the job done, the Flex Coat unit seems very good and you certainly won’t find better customer service than from John Cates!

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

DC77 is, in my opinion, the only power wrapper with the features to GROW with any builder's level of experience. If you have built a couple of rods and discovered a passion you didn't know you had, the DC77 has the ability to slow down and grind you through all the entry level headaches and still be there when you've reached lightning speed.

What they all said. The horizontal track was one of the main sell points for me. Everything slides under, you don't have to move things out of the way. Finishing is a breeze. I've only had mine for a few months but I can't imagine using anything else.