Making a custom fishing rod power wrapper from a cordless drill

Link to. squarespace.com/handmadefisherman
Something I Have always dreamed about as a fishing tackle nut is making my own custom fishing rods at home. But the big obstacle to most of my dreams is funding them and new hobbies can quickly spiral into spending sprees. Someone, well a few people have, over the years called me a cheapskate, and I have started to take it as a compliment, almost a badge of honour; so for this project I thought I would take advantage of my mean streak to begin to realise that dream and make a powered rod wrapper.
Powered rod wrappers are not the most complicated bits of kit even the professional ones, for the most part they are motors which spin a supported fishing rod, some have lots of added whistles and bells.
For the motor on my machine I thought I would make use of my father’s cordless drill mainly because they tend to be low geared enough not to pose much of a danger when fired up and holding a long piece of carbon rod. The main challenge was how to mount the thing as they are designed to be handheld rather than fixed, so I made simple headstock out of some softwood with inline skate bearings to hold a piece of 6mm stud iron and obviously allow it to turn. From there I could cobble together a wedge to hold the base and the chuck would do the rest.
For most of the wood joints I used mitre adhesive and spray activator to hold them in position while I added screws to do the real job, and on parts that were really not going to be under much if any pressure I left out the screws.
The cable came from the bike shop which is about the only thing apart from the wood that I purchased for this project specifically, everything else came from my collection of bits I have picked up cheap from supermarket diy sections over the years. I reckon I spent about fifteen pounds on the wood and cable. The bike cable idea came from some go-karts I made for the kids and had used them for the brakes which were just wooden blocks on the rear wheels connected to a wooden foot pedal by a piece of bike cable
Tools wise I went to town and used everything in the shop, but this could be built with old school hand tools, it would just take a bit longer and require some skills. Maybe that is another video.
For the rods supports i used a plastic chopping board I stole from the kitchen, as it was made of polyethylene which is about a slippy as plastics get and wont marke the blank rods or hasn't done yet.
There are lots of improvements i could make to this machine like adding a thread carriage and other experiments but that is for another day.
The only real whipping problems i came across was the thread which was pretty rubbish and came from an old batch that we don’t use at work as it tend to fluff up like cats tail even if you just give it a funny look. The machine itself was a pleasure to use after I forgot that it was cordless drill up the other end and concentrated at the job in hand.
I don’t do a lot rod wrapping at the factory where I work, I tend only do the odd repair so I am a little out of practice but watching the thread make its way up the rod is still and enjoyable passtime for an evening even if you are dribbling a bit on the thread.
I should be starting my rod building video soon. Thanks for watching and genuinely thanks Squarespace for sponsoring this video, I will also be working on website over the next week to create a base for people to visit and find out what is going in my world and also as a place to make the free lure templates and plans more available, rather than having to e-mail me for them.
Thanks
Link to. squarespace.com/handmadefisherman
My KZbin channel Is kzbin.info/door/HsV...
Handmade Fisherman Blog homeluremaking.blogspot.co.uk/
My facebook / paul.adams.3. .
Instagram paulpadam?...
If you need Lure templates E-mail [e-mail]
Video Link: Basic rod whipping part 1 with Harrison Advanced Rods • Harrison Rods beginner...
Video Link: Basic rod whipping part 2 with Harrison Advanced fishing rods • Harrison Rods - How to...
Music track Awaken

[@sylviaaugustine8849]

Wow just seeing this out of the box kzbin.infoUgkxQr1yd4Zc6qJF-scTB6Zb9dQbVpviuRxB recommend I have yet to fish with this set up, but based on the first hands on appeal, I can tell this is going to change the way i pack and carry to a whole new level. If you fish like i do, you know the smaller and less stuff the better. I’ve added a photo of just some of my gear so you can see how serious i am about fishing.

[@TheAudiostud]

It’s what you do best! That’s being “The Handmade Fisherman” Quality Production from Start to Finish absolutely brilliant well done Fella

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

cheers

[@thomashill8238]

A absolute joy to watch any thing you film Paul .

[@joshlloyd8262]

Always great to see you back making videos 😃

[@geraldswain3259]

This really is a great piece of kit for no money at all , you have done a the thinking for us . So bloody simple its brilliant mate ! .

[@philedwards2213]

Great video and now I have the incentive to go and build one. Thanks Paul, well done.

[@spearedarrow350]

Been a fan of yours since the moment I found your videos on KZbin ! Such a unique talented man ..keep it going ..much love and appreciation from Morocco 🙏

[@hedgehog3900]

A pleasure to watch a chap that does marvels so nonchalantly. I hope you heal fast and continue to inspire us.

[@cashbennett6153]

I guess Im asking randomly but does anybody know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@hassanroland1585]

@Cash Bennett instablaster ;)

[@TrensdePesca]

Trens de Pesca - Brasil - Parabéns pela alta qualidade do seu trabalho!

[@Rob-zq8sy]

That was bloody marvelous, really enjoyed it. Used to make my own rods many years ago, that would have been so helpful.

[@ipod1978]

Fantastic video, always great to watch

[@MZONE3D]

Great quality work Paul!

[@jplieurance]

Fantastic.Very clever and extremely well done. I'm impressed as well as inspired. Thanks.

[@malcolmporter4771]

Glad to see you're back.

[@longbedian6587]

Amazon

[@stevenjerauld2352]

What a very well made video. Thank you for the effort to share this info.

[@carterdippold2513]

Sweet I came straight home from work and watched this as soon as I say you posted it

[@gregoryolenovich6440]

This is great, I have been planning on building one of my own lately and this popped into my feed. Thanks, I didn't know about this pedal you used.

[@pavski]

Very cool. Feel better.

[@hogmouthfishingcharters4546]

You don’t know how happy I am your back I know I said that when you made your last couple videos but your the man you make things so easy for people. You make things solid awesome appreciate it down here in South Florida

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I think the best bit about this machine is it works well enough for me to forget I am using it and just enjoy spinning some thread onto a rod while I dream about fishing in Florida, cheers

[@DamienBeltrami]

Haven't even finished watching and you got a like. Good to see you posting again!!

[@andypearce8264]

Just watched this video and wanted to say your work is truly inspiring, being a fisherman, a keen videographer and DIY enthusiast I have to say this video with its different shots,angles depth of field etc etc is just excellent. I have subscribed to your channel and intend to try and aspire to this level of excellence. Thank you.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

Probably the thing that helped me improve my video making was going on short ten hour course run by a The community Reporters which is a UK charity, we used the losest budget gear but the information they gave on story telling and how to put together videos was amazing and I think it cost me £20. Good luck it will great to watch your journey, subscribed

[@PREPFORIT]

It is just a good feeling knowing you made it yourself.

[@MrFFP123]

Thank you for another fantastic video Paul! I've been a fan ever since I found your channel! Speedy recovery mate! Cheers

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

thanks

[@buckshot0203]

Another great video giving me the itch to try it again

[@drewhurst1972able]

That's super cool! Brilliant indeed. Thanks so much. I actually need to replace a few guides. Very helpful !!

[@MRSketch09]

That was some interesting problem solving on the, foot pedal/trigger set up. I just watched this today, 2 years late, after finding out the tool for this job is called a "Power wrapper"... pretty neat little set up, if you got the space. Anyways.. I used a set up I built, for modifying an existing rod, saved me a ton of time, sanding wise. Great job!

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

Your demeanor is so cool, calm and direct......pleasure to watch your videos.....

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

thanks

[@Flederratte]

Great video!

[@gaangler7486]

Great video, I know what I'm doing during the cold dark days of winter

[@raspacejo]

Amazing video. Awesome edition, it's really cool. Good job mate.

[@nuffinbutfishing]

Lovely video. quality filming and lovely music too. I'm subscribed to a lot of DIY type channels as well as fishing so this combined the two. Great work :)

[@Jakobdk]

Amazing video. Looking forward to seeing you build a rod on your new building rig :)

[@SuperDonBone]

Perfect timing Paul, i need to do some touch ups on old rods and replace a few guides here and there, this vid will definitely come in handy.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I have also been finally fixing some things that had eyes missing , glad it will come in use

[@pakde8002]

Alternative solution to (ingenious) speed control pedal is an extension cord outlet box with built in dimmer switch, which allows me to use the constant on trigger lock on the drill, and a simple clutch (anything that will allow the connection to the rod to slip when enough pressure is applied to the rod).

[@mimmo6000]

Fantastic job👍👍

[@gravelcreekfarms3850]

Another great one thank you

[@mfareed66]

Excellent video as always

[@simonm7909]

Hi Paul, Its always a good day when you post a new film. Been thinking of doing something similar myself but kids and idleness have got in the way. Loved your ingenuity and simple solutions to what I had convinced myself would be hard problems to over come. Was Thinking of using an old electric sewing machine to provide the motor and foot control until I saw the price people were asking!!! Anyway well done and I am looking forward to your rod build. Take care

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

i was thinking of using a sewing machine motor which the pro machines use but couldn't find one in a skip , there is no such thing as "kids and Idleness' only kids and downtime. I think i was lucky i made the kids some go karts and this basically came out of that idea, the bearings and brake cables and all the things i had been messing with and the odd chopping board

[@josuemelara5085]

thank you for your ideas!

[@peterhipwell4632]

Thank you for this great video

[@vinfish4697]

I'm really impressed with the video and as always you go above and beyond Absolutely loved the Gas pedal idea !!! thx for sharing

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I was like a kid with a new toy when I first used it I must of done fifty practice wraps on that bit of rod

[@kompos_Fishing_Hunting]

Μπράβο σου.Πολύ ωραίο βίντεο!!!

[@akapd7914]

Hope you feel better !!!

[@davelebeer6551]

Joy to watch! Great job! Thumbs up

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

thanks

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

For someone that has wrapped a guide that was great. I've built rods for years and my first one looked terrible. So I liked and subscribed to your channel. TY

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

cheers and thanks for subscribing

[@johnjenkinson9598]

Hope your feeling a bit better Paul. Cracking vidio as always bud. Looking forward to seeing the HMF-P Adams specialist rod.👍

[@davycrockett6378]

Brilliant tooling and DYI designing mate. Just brilliant.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@hodge726]

Excellent video! Get well!

[@teoflyfishing2004]

I wait for the rod tutorial! Keep up the great work! You made me get into fishing lure making a few years ago, so thanks ! (English is not my native language, but I understand it really well)

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

Thanks

[@TJHLURES]

Can't wait to see a whole rod build from start to finish. Get better mate!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I had blank for a spinning rod and my dad bust the end in a door, so i am waiting for another from the factory, cheers

[@Stoney327]

Good day: I really like the results from grinding that "ramp" on the front end of the guide foot. It gives a very subtle and uniform thread "flow" up the foot. I'll have to try that, I never thought of it? LOVE the wrapping machine, well done.:~))) Looking forward to more rod building videos. God bless: Dave

[@Batuhankaygan976]

Nice work as always it is

[@angeljimenez2176]

Good job Paul God Bless

[@georgebramblett6078]

Absolutely fantastic video hope you feel better soon 👍

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I got over it thanks

[@mamokargo]

Amazing... Good video

[@barryrichards925]

Really enjoyed the video, good basic workshop practice and clever innovation; I particularly liked your trigger/foot pedal control--fully adjustable and foolproof.

[@AndrewAHayes]

Looking forward to the next instalment!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I am looking forward to all the stuff turning up so I can get on with it , cheers

[@danram69]

nice skills mate

[@davethewindowlicker2367]

That foot pedal is a slick idea. One of the better rods I own is one I made. A medium action moderate power crank bait rod. They rarely get away lol. I actually used a rotisserie motor so the varnish would dry evenly on the thread wraps

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I have disco ball motor that i will be turning into a drying rack which probably runs round about the same rpm as Rotisserie motor, cheers

[@bassnazi4713]

Awesome, so glad to see this vid pop up on my notifications. Had checked in just the other day to make sure the bell was still checked since it seems to reset sometimes.

[@bassnazi4713]

Lol I had almost posted that you should countersink some screws through the bottom when you were gluing, glad i held off because I knew you more than likely would.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

yes there was a bit of wait for this one, it got a bit messy in the editing, thanks

[@bassnazi4713]

All good, well worth it as always. I know how it can be.

[@lourensjoubert8652]

I am engineer by trade, and a fisherman by desire. Your videos are like therapy

[@addictedtoangling]

Brilliant video

[@luiscontreras5206]

Wow you rock buddy and heading to ace hardware store I need this..I'm to poor to keep send my rods to get fix's if im going to make fishing my life like I been doing for the past 6 years I need to master everything.. shit you should make a video on how to make some type of emergency fishing line that you can use on your real that would be crazy

[@mikejames663]

Enjoyed that, subscribed.

[@mikeeast32]

Lark Ascending... my fav concerto

[@PJRII]

Great idea and great job executing. Also love the music in your video, the violin part is somewhat reminiscent of "The Lark Ascending" by the renowned English composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams, thank you.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

well spotted it is remix of the Lark Ascending, the orignal is probable one my favourite pieces, of music, thanks

[@wetfly2010]

That’s a nice homemade wrapper! Check out building specific threads to avoid the fuzz. Nylon all the way!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

this was poly which is a pain in the backside, I shall be getting some nylon from work,cheers

[@michaelking5142]

Well done mate

[@oldgold5848]

Nice work Paul. I must say that I prefer turning the rod by hand as I think I make a neater job, although it is probably just practice. I made a nice tensioning stand to hold the thread made from a t piece of timber with some M6 thread through it, and the bobbin held in place by washers and a wing nut and tensioned with a small spring. Love the switch mechanism!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

i kind of undecided between hand wrapping and machine wrapping, i work with two people who do it full time, one wraps by hand without any supports and the other on a machine and both get similar results. The only thing i have found is my hands hurt after a while hand turning, but I used to milk cows and my hands hurt even more until i got used to. I did build a tension carriage for this using a bolt spring and washer for tension and some guides and that worked quite well with a bit of practice but the video was getting too long as it was and i have other plans for that, thanks for the feedback

[@n6yun]

@@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman I agree unless you are wrapping commercially all you need is a hand rapper it gives you more control and cleaner job I have wrapped at least one rod a year over the last 40 years of rapping mostly for myself some for clients. but the most important tool that you'll need is a power dryer that will turn slow but constant for hours. One tip as to finishing the wrap is not to use a string but to use a piece of wire bent in half I use a guitar E string about 2 to 3 inches long after bending it allows you to use only one hand and you can put more pressure on the guitar string when you pull it through the under wrap. And yes it is a good day

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

15:03 This is where I actually started to enjoy the video!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

well congratulations on making that far, and thanks for letting me know, some of the people some of the time and all that

[@ruckusflow]

Thanks for gracing us with your beautiful videos Paul. Hope ya done better on the fishing front in Mull last month than i did.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

Just loads of mackerel mate, it was hard going for Pollock there seemed to be no big ones around, they had not had much rain at all this summer, but we did get to see some dolphins chasing salmon up loch scridian. I did manage to get over to Iona for the day and made it down to White Sands, not to fish but do a little timelapse and enjoy the view. It is still a little piece of heaven

[@ruckusflow]

Had the one mirco pollock around Fidden, stunning area but alas family commitments put an end to further fishing adventures. Rain!!!! Plenty that week, but kept the midges at bay. Look forward to seeing the footage, Cheers.

[@ChristianZermann]

Awesome ....

[@ffacchini]

Awesome, TY!!!!

[@zachariasgrankulla2154]

Good video!

[@phillkirby]

Great vid cant wait for the next one

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

thanks

[@matthewt372]

You have given me the best idea ever! Cheers mate. I have a thing called a daedalus Pro used for vaping related stuff but has a variable speed motor with it. Just need to make a chuck to hold a rod

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

i have just been checking out that Daedalus Pro, it looks like and interesting piece of kit, it may be worth giving it whorl and see what you come up with, cheers

[@matthewt372]

@@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman I don't mind wrapping by hand but the daedalus will be perfect for a dryer

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

that is a brilliant idea, i have to build a separate multi rod drying rack myself, i have disco ball motor somewhere in amongst the junk

[@matthewt372]

@@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman had this thing ages and this video just gave me the light bulb moment 😂

[@terryblush]

Great video very inspirational. Get well soon buddy

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

cheers terry, i moaned for a couple of days but couldn't even get out of doing the dishes

[@terryblush]

Hahahaha I don’t have that problem with a dishwasher lol

[@wurstest]

I really love the foot pedal control. I want to laugh at it but it's so clever and looks like it works well.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

i though about jazzing up the foot pedal with some new wood, but I had piece of pallet wood that was just the right size and thought i to myself am only going to be standing on it and works, cheers

[@nelsonricardodias7682]

Projeto genial

[@peewee6377]

Wow. Just wow. Beautiful video. New subscriber, traveled here from Brendan Miller. Best sub I've had in a while. Will be digging through your backlog. Thanks!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

good old or should I say young Mr Miller, cheers

[@jamesl.rickard1277]

Pretty cool! Once again, I sit here and think, "Why didn't I think of that?"

[@Agatino.Signati]

Bravissimo 😍🎣👍👍👍👍👋🏻

[@razvanburada1648]

Nice job

[@MrEemancing]

Nice tutorial

[@wildelapina5955]

perfection

[@arthurrogers96]

How did you attach the drill to the rod? Im trying to do something just like this only with way bigger rods. Great vid, thanks for posting

[@xacy_]

Превосходная работа!

[@kevinseigneurie9718]

Very cool but after all that work I don’t know if I would have used squeeze clamps to hold the rod guides in place. Maybe an assortment of holes and pins to move them ?

[@blindabinda1234]

Where did you go??? Been waiting on these second rod building video

[@fernrjf]

Great video !!! I'll have to try this one out ! BOB U.S.A.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

Thanks Bob

[@albo_gator5265]

Thank you!! You're better than my wife. I asked and I received. You're the best, Paul.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

This is probably not something you should share in public, cheers

[@simonhopkins3867]

Pmsl. 😂

[@cr0cket01]

great idea

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

cheers

[@reelman243]

Glad your back! Nice job! Now you can justify spending the money saved on rod blanks!

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

This is true

[@a.y.achannel9684]

i like it

[@akangaleng]

Nice

[@nickscott6139]

Thank you. Vaughn Williams would be proud.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

The original is just and amazing piece of music which even with its age feels very modern and I seam to keep coming back to it, so this remix with a beat added was just gold , cheers

[@shaiyachennelhoangliem3848]

thankyou!very good

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

thanks

[@eppiclife]

Do you have the instructions, measurements that you used, and so on? I would love to try and adapt this for my shop-

[@SkiiDoggy]

Great video. Very informative. Mad skills. The song Awaken, who made it if I might ask?

[@adventuresinrodbuilding]

Very cool concept. Seems to be quite an inexpensive alternative to the expensive wrappers out there.

[@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman]

I use a pack bay with alps chuck in work, but couldn' t justify the expense for home, thanks

[@adventuresinrodbuilding]

@@PaulAdamsTheHandmadeFisherman Very cool. Currently using a CRB handwrapper myself.