Just ordered two “Disco Ball” motors to build my rod dryer (making a 2 station).There are several models to choose from. After using a 1 RPM dryer borrowed from a friend, I ordered 3 RPM motors. I believe they will make applying Flex Coat a little faster process. At $9.99 each, I don’t think you can go wrong. Here’s the site:http://www.cheapdjgear.us/Mirror_Balls_s/3.htm
Joe
THANKS Joe,
Going to look into those for a batt op fly turner. 
…lee s.
allelectronics.com has 30 RPM motors for $2.50 if you need anything in that range. That is what I used when I built my first drying rig. Thay also have other accessories to help build a dryer like rubber feet, switched power cords and grooved wheels/o-rings.
Thanks, ol’ blue. I saw this motor before, and was about to buy a couple of them until I read on a rod building forum that the plastic shaft extension is both short and weak. Apparently some builders have had problems with them, and have gone over to different motors like the disco ball motor. Also, wouldn’t 30 rpm’s be a little fast for our application?
Joe
A drying motor is a useless unneeded thing. Yes, I made the same mistake, I bought one and have never used it and I guess I have built at least a dozen rods
I don’t understand why you say it’s useless. Is there something I’m missing? I view it as a “convenience” to free you up to do other things while the coating dries in an even manner.
Joe
How can you dry without a motor? I am about to start restoring my first rod and I am not sure how to get away without a motor?
Drying motors are not useless, but they aren’t essential, either. You can turn them by hand and get fantastic results, but you have to babysit them for a few hours. Just turn them 180 degrees when you start to see a sag on one side. A drying rig is useful to have and does give nice results as well. I’ve done both ways, and time usually dictates that I use a dryer most of the time.
30 RPM is just the output of the motor. You can use an o-ring or a gear to reduce the RPM to wherever you want it. I have some older versions of that motor, and it is all metal and has served me well so far. I didn’t know they cheapened it in the meantime.
I have been using a BBQ motor for years and got tired of the slow(3 to 4 rpm) speed. just got a microwave turntable motor, 34 rpm and changes direction every time you turn it on. Sometimes I have to turn my rod jig around to clear longer rod sections so I find this helpful. Faster speed means your are done applying before finnish starts to set up. Some guys use a 100 rpm motor. Good luck
Mike
I don’t know about YOU, But I have a lot better things to do than to stand around rolling rods over for two hours while I wait for the epoxy to dry.
I agree not essential…finishing up my first rod w/o one…but in the process picked one up and plan on using for next rod…I hand turned every 5-10 minutes…1/4 turn for about 90 minutes…
Joe;
A tip or 2 for those hand drying. An egg timer set for 15 - 20 minutes to remind you it’s time to rotate the blank lets you do other things. Don’t be distracted when it’s time to rotate the blank, did that once during an action movie and ended up with gooey fingers and a mess!!
A rod turner can also be converted to a drier for epoxy head flys! Hobby Lobby has round foam gift boxes that can be chucked up by opening the chuck.
Thanks for the tips, Jack. I don’t make epoxy head flies (not yet, at least), but I’ve seen a number of conversions for drying flies, and they are relatively simple. Oh, and I have no plans on hand rotating my rods for two hours. IMO, life’s too short to sit around watching flex coat dry. If some folks choose to do that, that’s fine for them. Go for it.
Finished the dryer and now need to clean this mess. I just can’t figure how it gets so out of hand. I hardly have anything in this space. :roll: My wife is glad this is all in my little corner of the basement, and not in “her” part of the house (which is the rest of the house).
Joe
Hi the owner of Flex Coat recromends that you use a 18rpm dryer motor, to get the best results
Why don’t you just go to Jann’s Netcraft and order a replacement drying motor that turns at the right speed and be done with the question/problem?
Tom
Why? Because I don’t need to. There is no problem here, only discussion about dryer motors.
If you feel strongly that I’ve made a bad choice, I’ll give you my address and you can have “a replacement drying motor that turns at the right speed” shipped to my home at your expense from the vendor of your choice. :shock: I never turn down gifts.
Joe
Man I must disgree with this quote!!!
A simple thing like a drying motor will certainly provide excellant finishes to your rod projects w/o one having to babysit the rod during the drying process. When not used for rod drying, it can always be used for epoxy head flies. To each his own!