Shipping Reel-to-Reel Decks - Part 1

How to Ship Reel to Reel decks (how we do it!)

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So you’ve purchased a reel to reel deck, and can’t wait to get it. Or, you’ve sold a deck, and want it to arrive safely at the destination. Regardless of whether you purchased the deck from us or not, here’s some packing guidelines:

7” decks

Generally, 7” decks are small enough to be packed in a 20 x 20 x 12” box, found at any packaging place, moving supply company, or even Home Depot usually.

Materials needed:

• 20 x 20 x 12 box, double wall preferred
• 2- 2’ x 4’ sheets of 3/4” Styrofoam sheet. Styrofoam insulation sheets found at a building supply place (Home Depot) are great for this.
• Box cutter
• Large bubble wrap, about 2’ wide x 10’ long. The bubbles within the bubble wrap are usually ½ to 1’ in diameter. Do not buy the small, thin bubble wrap used to pack small items, it won’t cushion a reel to reel enough to prevent damage
• Packing tape- medium to heavy duty
• Duct tape (only really needed if you’re using light duty packing tape)
• 1 or 2” wide painters tape

(yes, as of May , you’re probably into packing material costs of $40 USD. That’s what it’s going to take to safely ship the deck)

How to pack the deck

• If the deck has any tape tension levers that move, tape them in place with painter’s tape. It prevents stress on the springs under the top cover, and reduces the chance of the levers being bent in transit.
• Cut a couple of 2” wide strips of Styrofoam, and place them over the reel spindles. Two ¾” thick sections of styro will completely cover the spindles (poke holes into the styro before placing it over the reel tables), and tape to the front of the deck with painters tape so they can’t move.
• We use large bubble wrap and wrap all decks in 2-3 layers of bubble wrap. We buy the bubble wrap in bulk, buying small packs from stationary stores is exceptionally expensive, so go to a packing/shipping place, and ask to buy it by the foot if you need it. It can be bought in 2’ wide versions.
• Cut the Styrofoam sheet into sections so that you can line the box with it. Put a 20 x 20” sheet into the bottom of the box, then place the deck onto the styro sheet.
• Using more Styrofoam sheet pieces, line the sides of the box with them, so that all 5 sides of the box are now lined with Styrofoam.
• Use more bubble wrap to stuff between the bubble wrapped deck and the styro walls of the box, or cut more Styrofoam to build up the side walls of the box, to securely house the deck.
• Cut one last styro sheet that fits over top of the bubble wrapped deck, so that all 6 sides of the box are now lined with styro.
• Seal the box securely with packing tape, and if you have duct tape, put it over the packing tape for extra security that the box won’t open in transit.
• The most important thing is that the deck is packed securely enough so that it cannot move within the box. This is SUPER important! The box WILL get dropped and kicked around in transit, and if the deck is loose within the box, any shock that the box receives will be directly transferred to the deck, causing damage.

Bubble wrapped 7” Akai deck in 2 layers of bubble wrap. Reel tables protected by 2 stacked pieces of Styrofoam over each reel table. Deck is sitting on a ¾” styro sheet, and the deck is firmly held in place by more styro sheets all around the deck.

Deck is covered with more bubble wrap, pushed down into any air space around the deck and the styro sheets. Not shown is the final piece of ¾” styro sheet that will go over top of the orange bubble wrap before the box is closed.

7” Teac X series deck wrapped in bubble wrap, with a sheet of ¾” styro underneath it.

Extra sheets of ¾” styro around the outside 4 walls of the box for extra protection. Stack the styro sheets so that the deck cannot move around within the box. Add another.

Add another ¾” sheet of styro over top of the deck to protect it on all 6 sides.

Duct tape added over top of the packing tape for extra security. We also add shock stickers (optional, found at www.Uline.com) to indicate if the box has been roughly handled in transit. The middle of the sticker will turn red if the box is dropped hard enough).

Teac X series deck placed on 2 layers of crossed bubble wrap, ready to be folder over on top of the deck.

One 3/4” piece of styro placed over the reel spindles to protect them. Put a second piece over top of the first to fully  protect them, then use  painter’s tape to hold the styro in place.

Tension arms taped in place under the bubble wrap with painter’s tape. Bubble wrap folded over the deck. Larger styro pieces placed between the deck and the outside edges of the box to firmly hold the deck in place.

10” decks

All 10” decks require double boxing for secure shipping.

Materials needed:

• 20 x 20 x 12 box, double wall preferred
• 24 x 24 x 16” box, double wall. (Home Depot sells good 24” X 24” X 24” double wall boxes, and the height can be cut down to size as required)
• 2- 2’ x 4’ sheets of 3/4” Styrofoam sheet. Styrofoam insulation sheets found at a building supply place (Home Depot) are great for this.
• 2- 2’ x 4’ sheets of 1” styro sheets. Again, Styrofoam insulation is great, found at any building supply place.
• Box cutter
• Large bubble wrap, about 2’ wide x 10’ long. The bubbles within the bubble wrap are usually ½ to 1’ in diameter. Do not buy the small, thin bubble wrap used to pack small items, it won’t cushion a reel to reel enough to prevent damage
• Packing tape- medium to heavy duty
• Duct tape (only really needed if you’re using light duty packing tape)
• 1 or 2” wide painters tape

inner box sealed, more styro sheets between the inside and outside box, to firmly hold the inner box in place.

Sheet of ¾” styro placed inside the top of the inner box to protect the deck.

Tascam BR20 being packed in the inner 20 X 20 X 12 box, with bubble wrap all around the deck

Tascam 32 sitting on 1” sheet of styro.  Tape tension levers taped into place with painter’s tape. NAB adapters placed onto reel spindles for protection. Put a chunk of styro over top of the remaining portion of the spindles, held in place with painter’s tape.  2 layers of bubble wrap crossed over underneath the deck. Styro sheets on the outside of the deck, between the bubble wrap and the outside box wall to hold the deck firmly in place.

Excess bubble wrap folded over the deck, with more bubble wrap packed on top of the deck.

Outer box sealed, duct tape applied around the flaps of the box, shock sticker applied.

(yes, as of May , you’re probably into packing material costs of $55 USD. That’s what it’s going to take to safely ship the deck)

How to pack the deck

• If the deck has any tape tension levers that move, tape them in place with painter’s tape. It prevents stress on the springs under the top cover, and reduces the chance of the levers being bent in transit.
• Cut a couple of 2” wide strips of Styrofoam, and place them over the reel spindles. Two ¾” thick sections of styro will completely cover the spindles (poke holes into the styro before placing it over the reel tables), and tape to the front of the deck with painters tape so they can’t move.
• We use large bubble wrap and wrap all decks in 2-3 layers of bubble wrap. We buy the bubble wrap in bulk, buying small packs from stationary stores is exceptionally expensive, so go to a packing/shipping place, and ask to buy it by the foot if you need it. It can be bought in 2’ wide versions.
• With some larger 10” decks, it may be easier to line the walls of the 20 X 20 X 12 box with bubble wrap by using two pieces of 5’ long bubble wrap, running it down one wall, across the bottom, and then up the other wall. The bottom of the deck will then have two layers of bubble wrap between it and the bottom of the box. Fold the excess bubble wrap over the top of the deck, so that the deck is now encased in bubble wrap. (see pix)
• Place the bubble wrapped deck into the middle of the 20 x 20 X 12” box. Using more bubble wrap, or sections of ¾” Styrofoam sheets, line the sides of the box so that the deck cannot move around within the inner box. Seal the 20 X 20 X 12” box.
• Put a sheet of 24” X 24” x 1” thick Styrofoam into the bottom of the 24 X 24 X 16 box.
• Place the 20 X 20 X 12 box into the larger 24 X 24 X 16 box. Line the open area all around the two boxes with more styro sheets, so that the inner box is snug in the outer box, so that it cannot move.
• Cut more styro sheets to put on top of the inner box, so that they are level with the  top of the outer box.
• If the outer box is taller than 16”, cut it down to 16” so that you have a 24 X 24 X 16 outer box, that is lined with styro all around holding the inner box securely in place.
• Seal the box securely with packing tape, and if you have duct tape, put it over the packing tape for extra security that the box won’t open in transit.
• The most important thing is that the deck is packed securely enough so that it cannot move within the box, nor can the inner box be allowed to move around within the outer one. This is SUPER important! The box WILL get dropped and kicked around in transit, and if the deck is loose within the box, any shock that the box receives will be directly transferred to the deck, causing damage.
• DO NOT use those Styrofoam ‘peanuts’ to pack decks with, even if you put the deck into a large plastic garbage bag. Heavy items like reel to reel machines will crush the styro chips in transit, which will allow the deck to bounce around in the box. That’s not good! As soon as a deck can move in the box, you’re asking for problems.
• DO NOT use crumpled newspaper anywhere in the packing process. It’s worse than the styro chips, and will crush in transit, allowing the deck to bounce around in the box.
• We use USPS in the US, and Canada Post for shipment totals under 70 LBS rather than the couriers, and here’s why: The postal services won’t treat the package any better than the couriers, but in the rare case that there’s shipping damage, USPS will pay up. UPS and FedEx are a nightmare to deal with for insurance claims, and we’ve never gotten paid by either over the years.
• Here’s another important point: We use only newly purchased boxes to ship reel to reels in. If you receive a box with clearly visible damage, as in a corner that is smashed in, or a hole in the box, DO NOT sign for the receipt of the box! Either insist on opening the box in front of the postal worker to ensure there’s no internal damage, or if the box is badly damaged, refuse it completely. As soon as you sign for the receipt of the unit, the post office and couriers assume you ‘received it in good order’. All insurance claims are then null and void. We do the same at this end before accepting any decks in for repair.
• On larger reel to reel decks and any units over 70 lbs total, we use freight companies (trucking) to ship the decks. For any deck that isn’t in a rollaround cart, we use the above boxing methods, but we strap the box to a 48 X 40 pallet.  Shipping by truck is very safe, unless a forklift tine goes through the box (it’s happened to us twice in 18 years). It’s cheaper for you to pick the deck up at the truck dock, which is about $100-150 less than if the trucking company does a residential delivery. It also goes through less hands that way. Again, inspect the box for visible damage before signing the trucking waybill.
• If we are sending to the US, we clear customs at this end, so you see the deck as a domestic shipment from Washington State. No customs charges for you!

Shipping decks to us for repair

Whether you’re sending a deck in for repair, or we’ve purchased a deck from you, follow the above packing guidelines to ensure safe travels. Our website shows our Canadian address, but to prevent customs charges, we also have a Washington State ship-to address to make things easier and cheaper.

We clear customs when the deck gets here, and customs agents at the border crossing that we go through with decks know that I’m this crazy Canadian that repairs vintage electronics stuff

us at to get that Washington State ship-to address

VERY IMPORTANT! If you are sending a deck in for repair, make sure that your name, number and address (and address) are in the box on top of the deck. Send us an as well with your contact information, as we can send you reports and estimates via . We get everything in writing from our clients.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of reel wrapping machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Please put a short description of the problem(s) with the deck into the box as well please. With 40+ emails and calls a day regarding reel to reels, they do all become a blur, and we may not remember all the details of the call or that we had 10 days earlier. Also put a copy of the exchange that we’ve had into the box, so we know at this end what we had discussed.

Repair Pricing

To save everyone time, and to speed up the repair process, a general cleaning testing and setup of any  2 channel/stereo reel to reel ranges from $300-350, either in Canadian or USD. (see our ‘mandatory service to tape decks elsewhere on the site for a better explanation), but in point form, this covers:

• Testing all machine functions
• Cleaning all controls and switches
• Cleaning of the tape path
• Cleaning of the pinch roller and capstan
• Replacement of the pinch roller
• Replacement of the main drive belt, as applicable
• Checking frequency response of record and playback, and an of the frequency response
• Setting the bias and eq curves for one tape type (typically Maxell UDXL/Quantegy 456/RMGi911, etc.)
• Test running the deck for at least 6 hours in play and record to make sure the deck is fully functional over the long term.

calls, etc.

We are on the West Coast, so we’re on Pacific Time,  the same as Seattle or Los Angeles. We work long hours, and have no problems with early evening and weekend calls. As most of you might have guessed, I am a one man show (I hide it nicely by saying ‘we’ on the website!), and will admit that I am absolutely TERRIBLE with names and faces, but stellar with numbers. If you call and say ‘I talked to you last week about reel to reels’, then you’ll be about the 20th person that has done that in the past week! If you say ‘Hi, I’m Ron, I’ve got that Teac that doesn’t go into play mode, and I was going to drop it off today’, then I will most likely know exactly who you are.

Note also that Canada uses the same AC voltage as the US, so we can repair your US tape deck. We also have our shop wired for 220 volts, so we can even repair decks that are set up for European voltages!

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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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. Portability: Hand rod wrappers are usually lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around, and requiring minimal space for storage.

Cons:

1. Time-Consuming: The manual nature of hand rod wrappers can make the process more time-consuming compared to using a power rod wrapper.
2. 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.  
3. 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:

1. Efficiency: Power rod wrappers can significantly speed up the process of wrapping rods, saving you valuable time, especially when dealing with multiple rods.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Latest Technology: New wrappers are likely to have the latest features and technology, providing more efficient performance and better user experience.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Material Quality: 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.
2. Design and Ergonomics: 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.  
3. Support System: 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.
4. Tension Control: 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.  
5. Multi-Spool Capability: 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.  .  
6. Motor Quality (for Power Rod Wrappers): 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.
7. Chuck Design (for Power Wrappers):  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.  
8. Maintenance and Spare Parts Availability: 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.  
9. Pro Tip: Availability of Used Wrappers: 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.

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.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit reel wrapper.