Ladies and Gentlemen, has anyone here had any experience with the Flexcoat lathe Setup? I only build 3 or 4 rods a year (if I am Lucky} but when I do, I like to make my own handles using cork rings. It takes a lot of effort to shape the handle by hand sanding and I think I am ready to get a lathe set up of some sort. Since I do not build many rods and do it as a hobby, I did not not want to spend a lot of money for a Renzetti, Custom Power Wrap or even a PacBay. Is this a good set up for the hobbiest and what kind of chuck would be best for this set up? Thanks in advance for your responses, they will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again
Jeff

Jeff,
I do not have experience with the flex coat lathe,but look at www.grizzly.com
They have a hobby lathe that uses a drill for the motor. Several of the guys here use it . Do a search and you'll get lots of info . I think it normally sells for $40.00,but they are having a sale--$29.95. If you are just turning cork,it'll do a fine job for you.
Also,look at Lamar Reel Seats-link to the left- Andy has mandrals for turning grips off the blank that are just great.
Alex

Jeff, I use the Flex-Coat power rod wrapper for all my work, including shaping cork grips. I glue and compress the cork rings directly onto the blank and then shape them. I have been told several times that I'll shorten the life of the motor, but tnis one has been running since 1980-something. Many of the rods have 20 years on them without any grip problems.
You may be wondering how I can shape the very butt end with the butt end being held inside the rubber chuck. This has never been a problem because I always add a butt cap. I always just do what trimming is needed for that by hand. Really does not take very long and beats paying "beaucoup bucko" for one of the fancy lathe setups.
anyway, honestly wish you good luck with it all------Gary

Gary and Alex, thanks alot for your responses to my post! I have been beating my head against the wall trying to decide which way to go. Since I like my Flexcoat SW 2 hand wrapper so much I am not in need for a wrapper. I prefer to wrap with a hand wrapper. I also have limited space to work and I want my sanding or lathe work as far from my wrapping machine and rod dryer as possible and I like the idea of having a separate lathe and a seperate wrapper. I will probably go with the Grizzly and the Lamar mandrels. I was impressed with the looks and features of The grizzly and especially the price, since I am a part time builder and build only for family and friends.
Thanks again your responses are greatly appreciated
Jeff

Alex, I have another question for you, do you need any special attachments besides the mandrels from Lamar to use the Grizzly hobby lathe? I am very appreciative for your response to my post and you have helped me decide on which way to go.
Thanks Jeff

Jeff, any questions you have about this area of the rodmaking process will be pretty much taken care of from A to Z by Andy at Lamar Reel Seats. You just are not going to any better than what he can tell you. Gary