Recommendations for Winders for a Beginner

[cps]

Hi Guys,

What sort of winder do people recommend for a beginner looking to start winding pickups (mainly for my own custom guitars, but also just for interest)? Seems like some sort of modified sewing machine is the most common way to get started.

Cheers,

Chris

[JCrab]

I found one on ebay called the Sidewinder, I think I got it for $225.. I am a new guy and I looked around and it was the best thing I found with a counter and guides and such.

[cps]

I found one on ebay called the Sidewinder, I think I got it for $225.. I am a new guy and I looked around and it was the best thing I found with a counter and guides and such.

I can't find much info about these - any links?

[JCrab]

I have no idea what happend to him. I did a google search but came up empty.. sorry about that.

[Jim Shine]

He appears to have vanished. I saw he was getting into making tattoo machines. Maybe there was more money in that field.

[big_teee]

He appears to have vanished. I saw he was getting into making tattoo machines. Maybe there was more money in that field.

I hope there is more money in Tattoo's.
There sure as hell Ain't much money in Pickups around here?
T

[Rob DiStefano]

having built a few winders, seen and used a few commercial machines, the value in a sidewinder is priceless. i've built many hundreds with mine already. mark is mia, and that's way too bad. i could sure use a sidewinder backup, and it looks like it'll be tough to find one.

[Joe Gwinn]

having built a few winders, seen and used a few commercial machines, the value in a sidewinder is priceless. i've built many hundreds with mine already. mark is mia, and that's way too bad. i could sure use a sidewinder backup, and it looks like it'll be tough to find one.

I'm not sure what a sidewinder winding machine looks like. Given a picture or two, alternatives might be identified.

[Rob DiStefano]

more pix available if requested ...

[big_teee]

Did they go bankrupt, or just quit making them?
T

[Rob DiStefano]

Did they go bankrupt, or just quit making them?
T

totally unknown, so far.

[big_teee]

I know Larry at Remington Industries.
They sell wire and some fancy winders.
I thought about confronting him, about assembling a kit, for a basic hand guided winder.
Motor, spindles, pulleys, counter, and maybe some plans for the wood box.
If he could assemble all the parts for a good quality hand winder, that would be a big start on making a winder.
I'm waiting for him to email me about some 42 SPN Red, that he has ordered.
We may discuss it then.
T

[Rob DiStefano]

I know Larry at Remington Industries.
They sell wire and some fancy winders.
I thought about confronting him, about assembling a kit, for a basic hand guided winder.
Motor, spindles, pulleys, counter, and maybe some plans for the wood box.
If he could assemble all the parts for a good quality hand winder, that would be a big start on making a winder.
I'm waiting for him to email me about some 42 SPN Red, that he has ordered.
We may discuss it then.
T

imho, the sidewinder's price tag of approximately $280/shipped is/was the most incredible bargain in a quality coil winder for pickups. having aso used a schatten, the sidewinder blows it away - period.

sidewinder spex ...

- High Speed Photo-Optic Trigger produces spot-on turn counts no matter what speed.
- Quality 8 digit Counter w/reset button is Back-lit (Amber/Yellow) which enables you to read the numbers easily "at-a-glance" no matter your lighting situation.
- The 8 digit counter has its own internal 10 year lithium-ion battery.
- Easy Access Front mounted speed control to run the motor from 0 - 1250 RPM.
- On/Off switch is close to the speed control for emergency shutoff.
- 1/4" wide Kevlar reinforced urethane timing belt with 10 year Free Replacement.
- High Speed Stainless Steel Flanged Bearings provide smooth operation.
- Auto-Switching 15v dc - 100v-240v Power supply with either a North American or European plug provided.
- Whether you prefer to wind "Topside" or Downside", left handed or right handed, the Motor Reverse Switch on the side of machine can change winding or un-winding direction.
- Up or Down Counter switch so you can Add or Subtract from the total count.
- 1/4" thick red oak case with heavy .050” aluminum faceplate and backplate that you may have customized to your design or Logo.
- aluminum winder bars for stable mounting platform.
(Pickup Bobbins are attached to bars using double-sided tape.)
- wire guide bars are 1/4" solid polished brass and are adjustable horizontally to set your limits on a bobbin and also slide vertically to locate a position that is comfortable for your hand.
- Worktable is 14"x11 1/2"x1/2" with rubber non-skid feet.
- On/Off Deadman's Foot Control frees up both hands for great control when winding.- - - - -

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

what i want in a coil winder is a quality unit with ONE arm (no need for two), reverse rotation, minimum max speed of 1300rpm, digital photo 5 digit (minimum) counter with reset, no footswitch (i run mine full bore every time, with never a problem).

if someone can make and offer such a machine or kit for under $300/shipped i'll be on it like flies on u-know-what.

r.

[Joe Gwinn]

Seeing the specs, I see why the product is no longer offered: The price is too low for what's in the box.

This is basically the Schatten winder, only better done.

[Rob DiStefano]

Seeing the specs, I see why the product is no longer offered: The price is too low for what's in the box.

This is basically the Schatten winder, only better done...

no, i don't think it was his sidewinder offering price that did mark - besides, he could always raise the price tag if need be.

personal issues aside, and despite his good marketing attempts, i think there just aren't enuf nuts like us that wanna roll our own.