cheap, Simple, Ugly but effective
A big part of rod building is coming up with the toys that we use to build these things, I call them toys instead of tools becuase we all love to play with them. Mine is very simple, it was fairly cheap, it is butt ugly, but man, it works like a charm
The basic wrapper is 3 feet long, made from some oak planks that I had here from a remodeling project, and is fashioned so that the bed of the wrapper is drilled with 16 pair of holes drilled for the 4 different rod holders to be used in various locations. Most of the time only 2 will be engaged, but there are times when 3 or 4 wil be used.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...yrannis005.jpg
The thread tensioners were made to apply tension to the spool rather than to the thread since 80% of what I wrap is silk
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...yrannis006.jpg
The thread guides that align the thread with the section being wrapped are magnets with a couple of guides glued to the magnets with JB Weld. the magnets also double as tool holders for the razor blades (I use matt cutters from my sisters framing business, they stay sharper longer and are perfectly flat on one side)
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...yrannis007.jpg
The uprights that support the rod are padded with velcro and I often put soft fabric on them when I am wrapping a rod that has a sensative surface, like a coated bamboo rod
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...yrannis009.jpg
like I said, cheap, simple, Ugly but very effective!! I can move the magnets to various points that I may need them at and that really helps when wrapping a ferrule, or a tip top. The uprights can be positioned in any number of ways to accommodate the various guide spacings of different rods. All totaled, maybe $30 in the whole thing!!