My thread tensioner applies absolutly constant tension to the thread. Tension is easily adjustable and is maintained even if you must wind backward to correct overwraps etc.
I’ll give you the basic idea and if you like it you can adapt it for your own use at little cost.
Here’s my setup: My wrapping station is a desk which is against the wall. The thread spool is in a lightweight fly tying bobbin.The bobbin tension prevents thread from unwinding but allows more thread to be pulled off when needed. A soda straw scotch taped to the bobbin horizontally prevents spinning which would unfurl the thread. The thread goes up through a screw eye in the ceiling very close to the wall and down to another screw eye in my wrap stand. A wine cork on its side is screwed though its center to the wrap stand. Pulling the thread under the cork prevents the thread from escaping when the thread is cut after a wrap is finished. The bobbin is hanging from the ceiling screw eye. Gravity provides the tension. I adjust tension by adding lesd wire to the bobbin. If the ceiling screw eye is located where the bobbin can hang almost to the floor, 2 or 3 wraps can be completed before the thread must be adjusted.
I wrap by holding the rod in both hands. The rod can be moved in any direction without losing tension.
I only use the wrap stand to hold the rod after the wrap is completed.
A lot of words for something so simple. What do you think?
Cracker;
First a very warm welcome to the board. As you seem to be already adicted to rod building you’ll be a good addition here.
I think I understand your tensioner set up and will give it a try. I’m trying to visulaize the set up and think I see a better way to add weight instead of lead wire. I’ll work on it and let you know.
Hey! I finally got a reply. Thanks Jack. Like everything else in this life everything has advantages and disadvantages. Two important points: You must prevent the thread holder from spinning and unraveling the thread.Also you must have a way to keep the thread from escaping when you turn loose of everything. I hate the sound of that thread hitting the floor! All this becomes apparent once you try it.
Other thread holders and maybe better ones may be devised. My first was a plastic film can with a hole in the top for the thread. A tooth pick in the hole kept the thread in place and split shot in the film adjusted the weight. I also used a bobbin made from wire. I like the flytying bobbin best.If someone objects to a screweye in the ceiling, uou can make a wooden or pvc stand. Or you could throw it out the window. I’ll be waiting to see what you come up with. Warm regards, Cracker
Hey Cracker,
Not sure why but I just can’t visualize your set up. Can you drop a picture of it on the post “Homebuilt Wrappers”? May help some of us who are just starting to set up.
Thanks.
I posted what I think is a better description on the other thread. Taking a picture is difficult because of the area of the setup but I’ll think about it.
Cracker