The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I have just bought my first wooden reel, and was surprised to find, when cleaned and oiled, it spins better that some of my more modern reels, the ratchet is a bit chunky, but works perfectly. Now the question is, the wood looks a bit dried out, I don't want to start stripping it, and varnishing, I don't even want to polish the brass, I would just like to give it a coat of something to protect the wood, I first thought of Linseed oil, but then I thought it might taint the line, so now I'm stumped, can anyone offer some suggestion.

Is there any finish on the reel at the moment ?

MA, at the moment it looks like natural patina, it must have had some sort of coating at some time. See photo's below.







Some one suggested using WD40 and rubbing off well, as it would water proof it?

Perhaps olive oil would work (like some people do with chopping boards) and might not be so harsh as WD40?

What about wax? I am thinking of those "hard" formulae as Fjällräven. Rub it in, soak with a hairdryer. Should work suppose.

Hi,
There are some interesting Youtube videos about finishing gunstocks with oils of various types that give a durable waterproof finish. I especially liked the ones from Purdy's the gun makers and the finish is superb - check out a few.
Dok

It looks polished - I'd consider a beeswax polish, but NOT a silicon one, you'll have the devil's own job removing that should you wish to varnish or oil it at a later date. Lord Sheraton "Caretaker" is a non-silicone beeswax + oils polish.

I'm with Vole, a good quality beeswax polish is the way to go. Waitrose do an own brand wax that is lovely.... and reasonably priced

Sorry for the late response, I have only just joined the forum. The problem with oiling wood is that it will darken it and not necessarily in an attractive way. If some of the original coating remains, the oil will only penetrate where it has been scratched/worn away resulting in some ugly scarring. A wax coating will give some protection which, after an initial darkening, solvents will evaporate and just leave the wax. Unfortunately beeswax is by it's very nature is sticky so it will attract dust and dirt which is how antique furniture acquires some of the patination. Conservators advise the use of a micro crystalline wax for both wood and metal. It is easily removed with white spirit and can be bought as 'Renaissance Wax'. Being white it will leave a residue in any detailing but hey ho none of us is perfect.

Nearly every wooden reel I have handled has a coat of varnish. Maybe the old varnish used was a more natural product a kind of Shellac maybe.