My first reel

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mhackney	My first reel		Lead	[-]
Posts: 6 06/03/2009 09:51	Tags : None I'm almost embarrassed to show this amidst the works of art others are posting here! But, one of my goals was to build a workable reel with minimal tools and this is the result. The idea originated when I read John Bett's self-published book on making strip-built wood fly rods. He mentions that he makes reels by hand. The hardcover version of the book has lots of color photos, including a plate of 19 reels Mr. Betts made (which are works of art). So began my journey! The reel is basically constructed from sheet brass and rod, an anodized aluminum tube for the axle, and lots of machine screws! I used an electric drill (and cheated and used a drill press too), files, sandpaper, several taps, screw drivers, hacksaw, and a mallet. I do plan to publish a tutorial on my blog in the near future. The reel is 3" in diameter and intended for a light trout rod. It uses a simple friction drag. The final handle is Amboyna Burl - a wood that looks great with brass! The reel foot works in modern (unslotted) reel seat hardware. Here are some photos: These are the basic parts for the spool and cage assemblies. Rough assembly. Front view before final Fit and Finsih Back view before final Fit and Finish Front view of completed reel Back view Side view Bottom view Reels #2 and #3 are in progress. They will have a more typical pawl & gear drag system with a one-way bearing too. cheers, Michael My fly fishing, rod building, fly tying and reel building blog: EclecticGuy Last Edited By: mhackney 06/03/2009 09:53. Edited 1 time.
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reelhimin		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 452 06/03/2009 10:26	Great looking reel Michael. For your first reel, I'd say you did a super job. Gary. Like a salmon, I need a river to take me home.
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sbrusky		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 91 06/03/2009 12:34	I think it looks great!!!
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2 Bead Pupa	SWEEEEEET !!!	#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 289 06/03/2009 15:16	Especially nice considering the tools you had to work with .
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mhackney		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7 06/03/2009 15:37	I just wanted to do one by hand. I actually have a Sherline lathe and I am making a CNC milling machine from a minimill. I have 1 axis complete! Now that I have built this one by hand, I'll keep my sanity and use the lathe and mill in the future! Cheers, Michael My fly fishing, rod building, fly tying and reel building blog: EclecticGuy
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turtledoc		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2667 06/04/2009 07:38 Moderator	I'm always impressed to see what people with more talent than me can do when they set their mind to it ! Very nice looking reel that reminds me a little of the classic Gayle Simplicity reels which I have always liked the looks of. Thanks for sharing the photos of your fine work Mark B Something to consider: Be willing to share photos, information and the knowledge you have about your collection with anyone that has an interest in learning...........also share your knowledge to answer questions that others may have about items in their collections.........doing this will make you feel good and benefits this community ..................after all, what good is having knowledge that isn't shared. MEB
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carvejunky	Very Nice...	#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1 06/04/2009 07:47	Very nice reel Michael, I really like the shape of the reel foot. I have a copy of an old Mechanix Illustrated project that is a fly reel. Your reel reminds me of that style. Looks very well made. Carvejunky
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mhackney		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 8 06/04/2009 09:13	Thanks for the compliments guys. Mark, I suspect the similarity to the Simplicity and other similar reels is a direct result of the materials and perhaps tools available. This reel was made from sheet brass stock ($7 at a hobby shop for enough to make 2 reels) and brass rod. Of course they didn't have Delrin back then I used that more for its low friction properties and low weight. This reel could be made with a simple lathe and drill press in quantities with just a little bit of tooling to help automate the layout. Carvejunky, The reel foot was the most difficult part for me to make! It seems like it should be simple though. I had to use a thicker brass stock (.062") so that it could be tapped. That had to be bent in to a smooth curve, then shaped. I ended up making a mandrel and mold out of rock maple and literally pounding the shape - that's what the mallet in the tool list was for! Then the profile was hack sawed and filed to shape, the ends tapered to fit the reel seat hardware. Now that I've done one, it will be much easier next time. All in all, most of the time was spent figuring out how to make this reel. The order of operations, holding parts securely while they are being worked on, etc. Brass is a PIA to drill and I am still not satisfied with my results. I did get some slow spiral drills designed for brass work but the holes still are far from round. They required a lot of hand work to cleanup with a 1/2 round needle file. cheers, Michael My fly fishing, rod building, fly tying and reel building blog: EclecticGuy
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Holireels	Good Job	#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 64 06/07/2009 03:25	Good Job..........................like it.
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