I have a list of questions as I am trying to get into custom rod building, but let’s just start with the basics… Power wrapper v.s. Hand wrapper, which do most prefer as from what I understand a hand wrapper is easier to use and you can get your thread tighter while being more precise but a power wrapper is faster and can be doubled as a turner… any opinions on the two would be great

I would find a rod building forum and start reading. Probably a lot of tutorial on YouTube as well.

I use a hand-turned wrapper that I built. It allows me to be careful with how I lay down the thread. In terms of a drying turner, I have two (both I built with parts off of Ebay.) I like a higher RPM unit for applying the epoxy over the threads, but I want a much slower RPM when I am allowing the rod to dry.

Thank y’all! I honestly hated asking this on the TFF but wanted some variety in answers!!

I think mudhole gives a video update on Tuesday nights. I get email updates each week after signing up for updates on their site.

I have built a dozen or so with homemade rod wrapper. Can be as simple as a notched cardboard box or 1000.00 power wrapper.

I always preferred to hand wrap, I tried a power wrapper & just didn't care for it. I can see that it would work if you are doing under-wrap for guides or a butt wrap base for a diamond or something similar. You will need a low RPM turner for your Flex coat. I made mine out of an old rotisserie motor, should be able to find that kind of stuff on Ebay pretty EZ.

Good Luck,
Rube

I recently got into rod building and paid for a power wrapper. I wish I didn't since I just don't use it that much. If you are doing powerful saltwater rods like tuna rods where you might put a wrap under the guide and then wrap the guide on then it would be helpful. For bass rods I just wrap by hand since a guide only takes me about 10 minutes to do. The only guides I tend to use it on are the larger spinning guides and then its not really that much faster if you want really tight wraps and are constantly stopping to bunch them together. I have also found that power wrapping has a pretty steep learning curve. The videos on youtube where the wrap just goes on perfect has not been my experience but I am still learning. I plan to build for myself and maybe for a friend or two so I don't ever expect to get that good.

I've been building several years and would only invest in a power wrapper IF i was going to do more volume than i do. Currently only build for friends and their friends and OCCASIONLY me.

Go to Mudhole.com

Hand wrap, as others have stated. Mud hole is a great site. But I don’t think they have st croix blanks any more.