In the world of custom fishing rod creation, a fishing rod wrapper is a vital piece of kit. The various tools on the market offer unique advantages and also come with their own sets of drawbacks, making the choice on which one(s) to own personal to each rod builder&#;s unique needs. Whether you&#;re a hobbyist or a professional rod builder, understanding the pros and cons of each type can greatly aid in your decision-making process. In the following article, we delve into the benefits and challenges associated with each of these rod wrappers, thereby helping you determine which option will best suit your specific needs and circumstances.
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Hand Rod Wrappers Vs Power Rod Wrappers
Hand rod wrappers and power rod wrappers are both excellent tools used in creating custom fishing rods, each with its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the differences can help you select the one best suited to your needs and skills.
Hand Rod Wrappers:
Pros:
Cost-Effective
: Hand rod wrappers are generally less expensive than their powered counterparts. This makes them a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
Control
: With a hand-rod wrapper, you have total control over the wrapping process. You can wrap at your own pace, making adjustments as necessary. This can result in higher precision and a more personalized result. Some hand wrappers even allow you to decide which direction you wrap.
Portability
: Hand rod wrappers are usually lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around, and requiring minimal space for storage.
Cons:
Time-Consuming
: The manual nature of hand rod wrappers can make the process more time-consuming compared to using a power rod wrapper.
Physical Effort
: Wrapping by hand can be tiring, especially for larger or multiple rods. This might not be the best choice for those with physical limitations.
Flexibility:
Some hand wrappers also have fairly short footprints for easy travel and to not take up much space. This is often a challenge when wrapping very long or heavy-duty rods.
A hand rod wrapper allows for ultimate control in the wrapping process.
Power Rod Wrappers:
Pros:
Efficiency
: Power rod wrappers can significantly speed up the process of wrapping rods, saving you valuable time, especially when dealing with multiple rods.
Less Physically Demanding
: These automated machines do the bulk of the work, reducing the physical effort needed and making it easier to wrap larger or multiple rods.
Consistency
: Power rod wrappers provide consistent tension and speed, which can result in a more uniform wrap, especially important for professional or commercial rod builders.
Cons:
Cost
: Power rod wrappers tend to be more expensive than hand rod wrappers, which might not be cost-effective for occasional rod builders or hobbyists just getting started.
Complexity
: While these machines are designed to make the process easier, they can be more complex to operate, especially for beginners. Some level of technical understanding may be required. And practice definitely makes perfect.
Space and Portability
: Power rod wrappers are usually larger and heavier than hand wrappers, making them less portable and requiring more storage and workspace.
Used Power Rod Wrappers Vs New Rod Wrappers
When it comes to selecting a Power Rod Wrapper for your fishing rod creation or maintenance tasks, the decision between purchasing a new model or opting for a used one can be a significant factor. Both options present unique advantages and potential challenges that should be carefully considered to ensure you&#;re making the best choice for your specific needs.
Used Power Rod Wrappers:
Pros:
Cost-Effective
: One of the main advantages of used power rod wrappers is that they are typically cheaper than new models. If you&#;re on a tight budget, a used wrapper can provide you with the functionalities you need at a reduced cost.
Proven Functionality
: If the used wrapper is from a reliable seller, you can be assured that it has been tested and proven to work.
Cons:
Wear and Tear
: The major downside of a used power rod wrapper is the potential for wear and tear. Depending on how well the previous owner maintained the wrapper, it may not last as long as a new model.
Limited or No Warranty
: Used products often come with limited or no warranty. This means that if the wrapper breaks down or needs repairs, you might have to cover the costs yourself.
New Power Rod Wrappers:
Pros:
Latest Technology
: New wrappers are likely to have the latest features and technology, providing more efficient performance and better user experience.
Warranty
: New power rod wrappers typically come with a warranty. This provides peace of mind, knowing that you are covered should any malfunctions occur within the warranty period.
Cons:
Cost
: New power rod wrappers tend to be more expensive than used ones. This could be a deterrent if you&#;re on a budget or if you&#;re not planning on using the wrapper frequently.
Potential for Overkill
: For occasional rod builders or hobbyists, the advanced features of new wrappers might be more than what you actually need.
Rod Wrapper Construction
The construction of a rod wrapper plays a critical role in its performance, longevity, and ease of use. Whether you&#;re considering a hand rod wrapper or a power rod wrapper, certain key aspects should be given careful thought. Here are some points to consider when evaluating the construction of a rod wrapper:
: The materials used in the construction of the rod wrapper can greatly impact its durability and performance. Premium materials such as high-grade steel or aluminum can enhance the wrapper&#;s longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Similarly, the thread carriage should be smooth and free of any burrs or rough edges that might damage the thread or the rod blank.
: The design of the rod wrapper should allow for easy operation and efficient functionality. For power rod wrappers, the control panel should be user-friendly and conveniently placed. For hand rod wrappers, the layout should be ergonomically designed to reduce strain during long wrapping sessions. In addition, pay attention to how many functions you can easily control with one hand. The best wrappers allow for easy one-hand operation of almost every function except tightening the lathe chuck.
: A good rod wrapper should have a sturdy and reliable ball-bearing support system that can hold the rod blank securely in place. Adjustable rod stands can provide versatility, allowing you to work with different rod sizes and styles. In addition to being adjustable, the best systems align very easily with minimal effort.
Pro Tip: Are there lots of after-factory rod rollers and support stands available for the lathe you are considering? That&#;s a pretty reliable indicator that the base unit as supplied functions poorly.
: The tension control system of a rod wrapper is absolutely crucial for achieving consistent and high-quality wraps. The system should easily allow for a wide range of tension adjustments on all sizes of thread to ensure the right tension is applied to the thread during the wrapping process. In addition, the very best systems apply tension to the spool of the thread and not the thread itself. This is especially critical when power wrapping or attempting to wrap metallic threads under tension.
The best rod wrappers allow you to wrap multiple threads at one time. This is a tremendous accelerator for wraps like Tigers/Throop Wraps or Dragonscale wraps, but also reduces how often you must stop and change thread colors. .
: The motor plays a crucial role in the performance of a power rod wrapper. A high-quality motor can provide consistent speed and torque, which is essential for achieving smooth and uniform wraps.
Cheap and poorly designed rod wrappers often how wobbly chucks that do not hold rods securely. Also, some systems hold butt sections well but struggle with the tip sections of multi-piece rods. The best wrapping chucks mirror machine lathes with true self-centering chucks that do not loosen or drop rods.
Pro Tip: Are there lots of after-factory upgrades available for the lathe chuck you are considering? That&#;s a pretty good indicator that the chuck &#; as supplied &#; functions poorly.
: The ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts should also be considered. A rod wrapper that is easy to clean, maintain, and repair can save you time and hassle in the long run. Additionally, the availability of spare parts is critical, especially for power rod wrappers that have more complex components. Customer Service is also critical in the event that you need it. Are you able to deal directly with the manufacturer of your lathe? Or do you have to go through a reseller or distributor? These things matter in the unfortunate event you need service. The best wrapping units are made in the USA and consumers have direct access to the manufacturer.
Do a Google search or search your favorite rod-building forum for used wrappers for sale. If you look closely, you&#;ll see that you almost NEVER see some brands available for sale, while others are ALWAYS available somewhere. This happens for a good reason. If in doubt, buy once and cry once. The best are rarely available for sale used.
Considering these points when evaluating a rod wrapper will not only ensure that you end up with a tool that&#;s built to last but also one that enhances the quality of your rod wrapping and makes the process more enjoyable and efficient. Pro Tip: If at all possible, arrange to test drive or wrap on the machine you plan on buying BEFORE you make the investment. The Thread Central Learning Center at the International Custom Rod Building Expo is one place you can sit down and try ALL the major brands of wrappers. And that test drive experience is invaluable.
Best Rod Wrapper for Beginners
When selecting a rod wrapper for beginners, it&#;s important to find a balance between ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and functionality. A good beginner rod wrapper should be simple to understand and operate, reasonably priced, and capable of delivering decent performance to make the learning process smoother. Here are a few considerations:
Ease of Use: Beginners should look for a rod wrapper that is simple to operate. A design with intuitive features and clear instructions can help new users understand the process of rod wrapping and build their skills more effectively.
Hand vs Power Rod Wrappers: For beginners, a hand rod wrapper might be a better choice. Although wrapping by hand can be more time-consuming, it provides a level of control and precision that is beneficial when you&#;re just starting out. Moreover, it allows beginners to understand the nuances of rod wrapping at a slower pace. Power rod wrappers, though efficient and less labor-intensive, can be complex for a novice user. If you decide to upgrade to a power wrapper, your hand wrapper will serve as a backup or a more portable option. And remember that some power wrappers can be custom configured, allowing you to buy the base unit with no power as a starting point that can be easily upgraded later should your interest and budget allow it.
Cost-Effectiveness: As with any hobby, it may be wise to not too invest heavily in the beginning. There are many cost-effective rod wrappers on the market that are perfect for beginners. Once you&#;ve gained more experience and confidence, you can consider upgrading to a more sophisticated model.
Quality and Durability: While cost-effectiveness is a consideration, quality should not be compromised. A well-constructed rod wrapper, even a beginner model, should be sturdy and durable to withstand the rigors of learning.
Training and Support: Beginners should look for a brand that provides good customer support and access to training materials, such as how-to videos or detailed user manuals. This will help you learn the basics of rod wrapping faster and more effectively.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Eopac Machinery.
Overall, the best rod wrapper for a beginner is one that combines simplicity, affordability, quality construction, and good support. Start with a simple, reliable model and then consider upgrading as your skills and needs evolve. Remember, the goal is to learn and enjoy the process of rod building, and the right tools can make this journey much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Rod Wrapper Compatibility
Before purchasing a rod wrapper, it&#;s important to check the specifications and ensure that it is compatible with the other tools you plan to use. Most power wrappers these days are available in both 110v and 220v configurations for rod builders on different continents. You also want to consider other equipment you might want to use in a complimentary fashion with your wrapping machine &#; such are your finishing and rod drying equipment. So do some research and make sure you are buying a unit you can easily use. By doing so, you&#;ll ensure a smoother and more efficient rod-building process. When your rod wrapper is compatible with other equipment like rod dryers, it allows for a smoother transition from wrapping to drying. This can significantly streamline your workflow, reducing the time spent adjusting or transferring between different equipment.
Compatibility between your wrapper and dryer can also result in a more consistent finish. A rod wrapper that can directly connect to a dryer can help ensure that the freshly applied thread wraps are dried evenly and properly, reducing the risk of flaws or imperfections in the final product. If your rod wrapper is compatible with multiple accessories and tools, it can save you the cost of buying specific or proprietary equipment for each stage of the rod-building process.
A rod wrapper that can interface with a rod dryer or other tools can also save on workspace, as you won&#;t need separate standalone equipment for each step in the process. This is particularly beneficial for hobbyists or professionals working in a limited space. A rod wrapper compatible with a range of other equipment offers more flexibility. As your rod-building skills evolve, or if you decide to upgrade your equipment, compatibility will allow you to mix and match different tools to suit your specific needs.
Bill Falconer&#;s Rod Wrapper Picks
Bill Falconer is the host of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast and has been a custom rod builder for 28 years. During this time he has been able to use all manner of rod wrappers and see the evolution of these tools firsthand. Here are his top picks for power and hand rod wrappers.
Best Power Rod Wrapper
&#;The best power wrapper in my opinion is the Renzetti Craftsman Rod Lathe,&#; says Bill. &#;Everything about this rod lathe &#; which is a true power lathe &#; is first class. This is a buy-it-once, use-it-for-life machine constructed out of steel and aluminum right here in the USA. This lathe, like Renzetti fly tying vises, is a masterpiece.&#;
&#;All features are adjustable with one hand (except tightening the chuck). The 8-spool thread carriage has infinite, buttery-smooth tension adjustment and can wrap up to 8 threads at one time. Thread feeds from behind and over the rod blank for the best possible visibility and access and features built-in reverse tension. In addition, the lathe can handle any size thread spool with a ¼&#; diameter hole&#;from 100m to 1 ounce to 4 ounces. And it&#;s highly modular/configurable.
I use mine as a hand wrapper with no power and then easily add a Flex Coat DC Variable speed finishing motor. And I can call Leighton Harp directly at Renzetti in Florida any time I have a question or need help. The downside? All this quality costs: the starting price is $875.99 and with all the options you can spend over $1,400. But it is money extremely well spent and there&#;s a reason you NEVER see one on the market used.&#;
HONORABLE MENTION: Flex Coat DC777 Power Wrapping/Finishing Machine: Flex Coat is not new to the rod-building equipment business. In fact, just about every rod factory in the USA dries all their rods on drum dryers custom-built by Flex Coat. But John Cates has been introducing new products &#; and improving time-proven designs &#; at a fast pace lately. The DC777 is perhaps the best example to date: an all-in-one piece of equipment that quickly and easily does it all. All alignment and leveling is built into this machine. It is recently expanded to accept up to 4 spools of thread with an improved tensioning design. And it comes with both a finish application hand/tool and the star of the show: the Dual Control Wrapping/Finishing Motor that is variable speed (40-420RPM), reversible, and includes a foot control and adjustable slip clutch. Is it a true machine lathe? No&#;but it functions EXTREMELY well. Ease of use and ergonomics are unparallelled and the best part? The entire thing &#; Made in the USA &#; only carries a $590 price tag. While he picked the Renzetti Craftsman as his first choice, Bill loves this machine so much that he also uses a DC777.
Best Hand Rod Wrapper
For years, hand wrappers didn&#;t change and there were precious few options. But Mudhole Custom Tackle changed all that in when they introduced the CRB Advanced Hand Wrapper. Pricing out at only $59.95, there is a LOT packed into this little wrapper. It features an excellent two-spool thread system with ball-bearing smoothness and reverse tension &#; a feature heretofore only found on the Renzetti lathes. The base unit expands to accommodate different-sized rods and guide spacings and is surprisingly stable for how small and portable it is. And if you outgrow it and buy a power wrapper, this thing makes a wonderful travel wrapper for demos, trade shows, or repairs.
HONORABLE MENTION: Flex Coat Speed Wrapper. While many think of hand wrappers as introductory kit, the time-tested Flex Coat Speed Wrapper is anything but. This is a hardcore, thoughtfully designed wrapper built with ease of use and speed in mind. Many people don&#;t know this but a LOT of factory rods around the world are wrapped on this simple, durable and easy-to-use setup. You&#;ve probably never heard of this gem &#; it&#;s a sleeper. But it&#;s worth looking at if you prefer to hand wrap.
Final Thoughts on Rod Wrappers
Selecting the right rod wrapper can make a substantial difference in your rod-building or maintenance tasks, impacting not only the quality of your custom rods but also your overall rod-building experience. Whether you&#;re a professional rod builder or a novice enthusiast, understanding the different types of rod wrappers, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and the crucial factors to consider during purchase is essential. Remember that choosing between hand rod wrappers and power rod wrappers, new or used, will depend on your specific needs, budget, and skill level. The construction of your chosen rod wrapper and its compatibility with other tools will also play significant roles in the ease and effectiveness of your rod-building process. Ultimately, the best rod wrapper is one that fits your unique circumstances and enhances your rod-building journey, ensuring it is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
By Mud Hole Staff
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Rod building threads are quite diverse. From sizes and colors to treatments, choosing the right rod building thread naturally comes with many questions. Answering these questions is easy once you can define the difference in thread diameters, colors, and treatments.
About Wrapping Thread
In the world of rod building, choosing the right thread can be challenging considering how many different threads choices are possible. Varying from regular nylon, metallic, polyester and even color treated, a thread pretreated with color preserver, the options seem infinite without more information.
Color treated thread is a huge benefit on nylon and polyester because it helps the color outlast the epoxy process. Although some threads, like metallic for instance, do not require color preserver, it never hurts to use a color preserver just in case.
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It is important to remember that metallic thread is not as strong as regular nylon, making it more suitable for decorative inlays, trim bands, and butt wraps.
Types of Rod Building ThreadThere are several different types of rod building thread to choose from, and in this section we go over the most common types of thread on the market.
Nylon Thread
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Nylon wrapping thread comes in many color choices that have been pressure dyed for color consistency, however, color preserver is recommended with when using nylon thread if you want the color to stay true to how it looks before applying epoxy.
When you apply epoxy to the nylon thread without color preserver, the thread will take on a completely different color. Functionally, the thread is fine. Aesthetically, you may not like the unpredictable color outcome.
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For example, if you are working on a gray rod blank and choose a spool of "Red" ProWrap Rod Building Thread to match an inlay or decal, without the color preserver, the color will probably come out looking more like a brown or merlot color.
Sometimes this is a good thing. For example, if you want the guide wrap to match the same gray rod blank, just pick a nylon gray color closest to the rod blank color, and after applying epoxy, the outcome of the guide wrap will be the same (or near same) color as the rod blank.
If you want the thread color to remain after applying epoxy, consider using a color treated thread.
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Color Treated Thread
Color treated nylon thread features the same strong tensile strength as the regular nylon, but it is pre-treated with color preserver so the color remains after you apply epoxy. It will also withstand the sun's damaging UV rays, all without the need for adding a color preserver. A good choice for this thread is ProWrap ColorFast by ProProducts.
Color treated thread has inherently less bleed through, so it is also a preferred choice for lighter color wraps that will go over a darker rod blank. If you are doing a white thread over a white rod blank, for example, it may not matter as much. Conversely, if you are doing a white thread over a dark blank, color treated nylon is probably going to give you the look you expect.
Metallic Thread
Metallic threads are typically used for trim bands, butt wraps, and under wraps, and come in a wide range of eye-popping metallic colors! Metallic thread features strong tensile strength, but usually not strong enough to use as your primary guide wrapping thread.
To make sure your guides perform well, we recommend you stick with a nylon thread (color treated or not) for your primary guide wraps, and use metallic threads for decorative accents.
Keep in mind that metallic threads do not need a color preserver!
Metallic Braid
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Metallic braids are highly reflective and are much larger in diameter, which make metallic braids ideal for decorative butt wraps. With a flat and wide profile, it certainly eliminates the time consuming task of wrapping the entire butt section with a single thread.
As with metallic thread, metallic braids do not need a color preserver, and are for decorative purposes only&#;do not use as your primary guide wrapping thread.
Color OptionsRod building thread comes in a wide variety of colors, so you should have no problem finding one to match any design or pattern you can dream up.
Rod Building Thread Sizes
In this section we highlight the most common sizes of rod building thread on the market, and what applications they are commonly used for.
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Size A Thread
Size A thread has the smallest diameter, and generally a great choice for freshwater rods, under wraps, and all decorative accent applications. It can also be used for saltwater rods, but some rod builders prefer to use size D thread for many offshore applications, while inshore and nearshore rods can easily use size A thread.
Size B Thread
Size B thread is ideal for any fishing application. It is easier to wrap like a size D thread, but resembling size A's finished product. It can really do it all, be the primary wrap for your guides, and serve as your decorative thread for trim bands and butt wraps.
Size D Thread
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Often used on heavy offshore rods, Size D is actually the easiest to wrap with, which in turn makes it the leading thread among those new to rod building. Because it has a larger diameter than size A thread, it is easier to work with and easier to actually see when wrapping your custom rod - especially when the thread color is close to that of the rod blank!
Try an Under Wrap
Under wraps are usually found on heavier rods that have double foot guides, and can really make your custom rod unique.
When it comes time to wrap a guide like one with a double foot, an easy way to succeed is using size A with its smaller diameter for the under wrap and then size D with its larger diameter for the overwrap on top. First wrap the size A thread directly onto the rod blank, then set your guide on top and secure it with a size D thread wrap.
In some cases, rod builders will epoxy over the initial size A under wrap before moving on to the size D overwrap. This makes the overwrap much smoother so that when you epoxy the final time, you are left with a clean finished product.
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What Thread Is Right For You?
One thing to keep in mind is that building a custom rod is just that - custom. Hopefully this article covered all the basics on rod building thread, now the fun part is experimenting with what you want to use from all the many choices out there, visit our friends at Mud Hole Custom Tackle to see just how many options there are.
Just consider what you want your finished custom fishing rod to look like, and make a list of the thread you will need. Then go build a custom rod just the way you want it!
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