Reel-making..

[Beresford]

I'm staggered. It is quite beautiful.

[Deaf Cat]

Wow! A marvellous piece of work. Self taught or in your line of work? And how long did it take?

[George387]

that really is a lovely reel you should be very proud of your achievement, well done sir

[Watermole+]

Many thanks for all your most generous comments Gentlemen; I will try to answer all your questions..
Firstly, this was something thought about for some time and when the trout season ended last year, I thought we'd give it a try.
I have effected repairs to many reels over the years, both minor and serious, but never completely scratch-built one before. The original intention was to make a 7' 6" small river, dry-fly rod for myself over the close (trout) season, the same as a recently completed commission and this would be something to complement it. Things didn't quite work out that way and I have just started on the rod...!
The reel frame,or cage, and spool are made from aluminium alloy, painted with "PJ1" fast-black, motor-cycle casing spray paint. Three light coats, then put in the fan oven for a couple of hours at 100 deg.
I worked at it on average, about 10 hours a week over the winter, depending on circumstances.
The Myford lathe is a long-obsolete 1954 model I bought years ago in a garage sale for £235. It was in pieces and in a very sorry condition, so needed a lot of TLC, expenditure and time to get it going again. The only other 'power tools' are a 130amp MiG welder, a drill stand, bought in 1968 + a 500w electric drill and a (home made) universal vice. All the lathe accessories are home-designed and made; a bit primitive but functionable. Knowledge is self-taught through trial-and-error..mostly the latter, but Experience teaches, as they say, and it was mostly plugging away and not being satisfied with anything if you know you could have made it better. My working life has mostly been spent in metallurgy and other materials, so I had a good idea of what to use, but still made a great many mistakes along the way.
If I'm ever allowed to retire, one project in mind..which has been on the back-burner for a few years-is to make my own semi-replica 8 or12-spoke 4" Coxon Aerial. It's a bit different but the problem is that I've never actually seen one except in pictures, but it doesn't look over-difficult by comparison.. and bought the laminate material for the drum plates years ago.. .. have made some trial reel backs from different hardwoods..so maybe one day....?

With regards,

wm+

[MrTrout]

You are too modest WM, it's a credit to you.
Make another with a SBS, please.
S.

[TonyPrior]

It's a beautiful reel and a fantastic achievement. The agate line guard alone. What a finish. Did you make the screws too?

[Watermole+]

You are too modest WM, it's a credit to you.
Make another with a SBS, please.
S.

Here you are Steven..

http://www.seatroutforum.com

-->General sea trout fishing advice -->Close season plans and projects.

[ReelMaker]

Dear Sir, It's good to see others making reels from scratch.I have many various types made from sketches I had drawn up .I am a skilled instrument tool maker and when I had the chance I got on with a new model.With all the machines needed at my disposal there was no stopping me,but now I seem to have lost interest at the age of 67 but I may get back someday who knows .The best of luck to you Sir.Reelmaker.

[The Sweetcorn Kid]

Simply devine.... :hat:

[Mario]

thats great reel