Thread tensioners

Jerry Poindexter · Senior Member

Thread tensioners

Terry Goode · Guru

oh yr gona love mine, heheh
sep22-09 001.jpg

MaryLouVandeRiet · Senior Member

Jerry Poindexter wrote:

What are you folks using for tensioners? I started w/ the ones that came on my Flexcoat wrapper, but didn't really like them. Then a few yrs ago I got a couple from Neptune that use attracting magnets w/ paper spacers between. Now I'm looking for something better, and saw this post on .org...uses apposing magnets/UHMW washers. I'm gonna maybe make my own if I don't hear from this guy.
http://www.rodbuilding.org/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/10562/cat/508/page/1

All I can say about the Flexcoat thread tensioners..they leave alot to be desired !!.. furious

....In plain, I don't like them either !!

MaryLou~~

Trey Shaw · Senior Member

I personally don't like that type of tensioner (the one on rodbuilder.org link) I originally made my tensioners on my wrapper like that and one of two things happens when you use that.

1) the end nut backs off and you lose ALL tension.
2) or it puts to much tension on the thread (you can pluck the thread like a guitar string...lol).

To solve the first problem I tried to use a self locking nut, but then every time I had to change out a spool I needed a wrench (pain in the butt) and the second problem just happened because you put the nut on so that it don't put to much tension on the thread .... You guessed it..... IT WOULD BACK OFF.

I use this one and I don't have any problems with it. But I wish it had a dail on it. Like my father's

-- Edited by Trey Shaw on Sunday 31st of January 2010 07:46:53 PM

Jerry Poindexter · Senior Member

Trey, the one you posted looks like the original Flexcoat tensioners that I had. So you tried one like I posted, using apposing magnets/super slick washers ?
Jerry

Trey Shaw · Senior Member

I didn't realize it used apposing magnets........ I thought there was a small spring between the end nut and spool, but I just took another look at it again and realized it was the threads of the bolt....LOL!!! Sorry about that.... If you couldn't tell I was pretty aggravated with the first tensioner I had and didn't want to see anyone else fall into the same aggravation I went through.

But I the other hand I would like to know how that tensioner works out.... The idea sounds feasible. Let me know how it works out for you. I might just switch myself.

Jerry Poindexter · Senior Member

Well the good news is I bit the bullet and ordered some of the rare earth magnets and the very high molecular weight poly whatever plastic. If it works good, I'll have some extra supplies for you guys, come March meeting. If it doesn't, I've got a closet full of the same kind of stuff. Trey, ya had me worried alittle there, not that I'm feel'n confident! Jerry

Trey Shaw · Senior Member

Sorry about that Jerry.... LOL!!!

Jerry Poindexter · Senior Member

Well, I've got 2 of 'em made. I could have used .250" UHMW polyethylene, but the place that I ordered from was out, so I used .375". Also, I could have made the discs smaller, but this was the smallest hole saw that I had, and it's easier to cut than shape. Haven't wrapped a whole rod, but with just test wraps, I'm liking them alot. As I said above, not my original idea, but never heard from the guy so I made my own.
Jerry

Trey Shaw · Senior Member

Looks good Jerry..... Where do you find the magnets (I'm assuming the magnets have holes pre-drilled in the center) and UHMW polyethylene washers?

-- Edited by Trey Shaw on Wednesday 10th of February 2010 08:11:00 PM

Jerry Poindexter · Senior Member

Trey, here's where I got the plastic and magnets.
http://www.smallparts.com/Ultra-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene-Sheet/dp/B000ILLNJI?ie=UTF8&qid=1265856670&sr=1-28&pf_rd_r=1WPKPP2721H4RT43147J&pf_rd_m=A2LPUKX2E7NPQV&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=493388211&pf_rd_s=center-3

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=40075&cat=3,42363,42348&ap=2

To anyone that's gonna be at the FTU Builders Day on Mar 27th, I've got plenty of the plastic...they sent me a 12X24" sheet. Just bring a cordless drill w/ 2 good batteries and a hole saw the size you want, and have at it. I also have a few more of the magnets w/ 1/4"ID. All you'd need to finish one is some 1/4" allthread and some nuts/washers.

Trey Shaw · Senior Member

Thanks for the links Jerry..... I'll see you at the Rod Builders Day. Look forward to meeting you in person. smile