Recommendations for Winders for a Beginner

[Rob DiStefano]

Rob:
Don't understand the 2 parallel bars.
I guess that is the stop bars?
How do you get you wire over and under while your winding.
I think I need more flexibility than that.
Maybe I'm not seeing the big picture.
T

there are a number of things about the the thomas winder that are either not needed or redundant, including the parallel coil wire guide bars. however, those things don't matter at all to me. he's making another machine for me sans the footswitch, the left side mounting plate, the coil wire guide bars and the handles.

[big_teee]

there are a number of things about the the thomas winder that are either not needed or redundant, including the parallel coil wire guide bars. however, those things don't matter at all to me. he's making another machine for me sans the footswitch, the left side mounting plate, the coil wire guide bars and the handles.

So this guy will make them to order?
Good deal.
Does he have a website, or how do we tell folks how to get a hold of him.
I like the longer mandrel shafts.
I like the way the switches are toward the winder and not on the mian unit.
So you have one already, or your having one built, or both?
T

[Rob DiStefano]

So this guy will make them to order?

maybe

Good deal.
Does he have a website, or how do we tell folks how to get a hold of him.

no website, he's not easy to reach.

I like the longer mandrel shafts.
I like the way the switches are toward the winder and not on the mian unit.
So you have one already, or your having one built, or both?

i have one, and i'm attempting to work with him on a newer, custom model.

my current thomas winder, mark 2 version ...

[big_teee]

That one is pretty neat.
It looks more heavy duty than the other light weight winders that were sold.
I would still take a bandsaw to the stop rods.
I would have to be able to go around the end of the rods.
Also the switches and speed control could be turned around.
With all that aluminum plating, it looks like it would last forever!
So if you ever have the cover off of it, would love to see a Pic of the motor pulley Gut Shot!
T
** Thanks for sharing!

[Rob DiStefano]

That one is pretty neat.
It looks more heavy duty than the other light weight winders that were sold.
I would still take a bandsaw to the stop rods.
I would have to be able to go around the end of the rods.
Also the switches and speed control could be turned around.
With all that aluminum plating, it looks like it would last forever!
So if you ever have the cover off of it, would love to see a Pic of the motor pulley Gut Shot!
T
** Thanks for sharing!

there is no aluminum plating - the thomas winder is about 95% solid aluminum or steel.

[Stratz]

there are a number of things about the the thomas winder that are either not needed or redundant, including the parallel coil wire guide bars.

It would make sense that the 2 guide bars are there allow you to have 4 pairs of stop collars. Each pair can be set to a different width so you wont need to move the stops when going from 1/4"" to 1/2" bobbin.

It's a good idea but looks like it can be a bit cumbersome. Still, you don't need to use the both rods if you don't care to. Just ignore one.

[Rob DiStefano]

It would make sense that the 2 guide bars are there allow you to have 4 pairs of stop collars. Each pair can be set to a different width so you wont need to move the stops when going from 1/4"" to 1/2" bobbin.

It's a good idea but looks like it can be a bit cumbersome. Still, you don't need to use the both rods if you don't care to. Just ignore one.

redundant parts add cost to the winder. a simple adjustable wire guide (such as used on the sidewinder) would be easier, very functional, less cumbersome and cheaper.

lots hasta do with the winder's needs - i don't ever use/need a footswitch, the winding platform needs no added "handles", i can wind (and usually do) without the need for coil wire guides (the bar itself is fairly essential for me), one bobbin arm is all that i need with a switch reversed d/c motor. once you get past those variables, the key elements of the "thomas mark 2 winder" is its blazing 1825rpm speed, its smoothness and quietness. this winder is a winner. i think i'll be selling my sidewinder. seriously.

[big_teee]

Sounds like a good platform.
I didn't see the motor in any of the pics.
It must be buried under everything.
Like you say a couple things could be changed for individual convenience.
I would want both bobbin arms.
Can't handle the top coming winding.
The Shaft has to be supported on that side anyway.
So letting the shaft stick through with a bobbin bar, shouldn't be much more expense.
Do you think he we sell these on a large scale, or just dabble with a few?
T

[Rob DiStefano]

Sounds like a good platform.
I didn't see the motor in any of the pics.
It must be buried under everything.
Like you say a couple things could be changed for individual convenience.
I would want both bobbin arms.
Can't handle the top coming winding.
The Shaft has to be supported on that side anyway.
So letting the shaft stick through with a bobbin bar, shouldn't be much more expense.
Do you think he we sell these on a large scale, or just dabble with a few?
T

communications is not a strongpoint of this machine's builder. but we'll see.

[Mark Norwine]

IF someone can offer a proper and cost effective counter system, that can be readily added to a lathe or whatever, that would be an excellent first step.

Hey Rob...long time! Give me a call sometime!

While not really a "system", all of the components to make one can be bought surplus on eBay. My fiber-optic counter on my winder cost....all told....under $25.

Omron counter (built-in battery), can count up to 50K pulses (revolutions) per second
Omron fiber optics
Omron fiber optic amplifier

I mounted a simple disk on my main shaft with a small hole drilled near the outer edge. The fibers "see" each other as the hole passes by, ensuring hyper-accurate counting.

[big_teee]

I talked with Sales Tech Larry at Remington Industries.
I called trying to chase down the red 42 SPN that Remington has ordered.
I also asked if Remington would be interested in developing a Winding Kit for Pickup winders.
All the major hardware and components to make the basic winder for a heavy duty hand guided system.
If they could make a kit and keep the cost low, let the builder do the board, or box to enclose the winder.
They said that they were looking into a small winder, and would persue my idea of a parts kit.
T

[big_teee]

I talked with Sales Tech Larry at Remington Industries.
I called trying to chase down the red 42 SPN that Remington has ordered.
I also asked if Remington would be interested in developing a Winding Kit for Pickup winders.
All the major hardware and components to make the basic winder for a heavy duty hand guided system.
If they could make a kit and keep the cost low, let the builder do the board, or box to enclose the winder.
They said that they were looking into a small winder, and would persue my idea of a parts kit.
T

I'll post the list over here also.
It goes with this thread.
Latest list!
1. Heavy duty Long life motor.
2. Heavy duty sprocket, belt, and pulley system.
3. Double ended Ball bearing Mandrel shaft, and with no run-out. (Required for winders that do Top Going only!)
4. Mandrel needs to be 6-9 inches above table height.
5. Double Height adjustable Stop Bars, with adjustable stop collars.
6. If Financially feasible, round tooling plates instead of rectangular, and ideally there would be a way to make them replaceable and interchangeable.
7. Foot switch, and foot switch jack.
8. heavy Duty Speed Control, with speed knob located in a forward location???
9. Winding speed 0-1500 rpm.
10. A backlit large display 5 digit counter.
11. Optical Sensor type speed control.
T