Author Archives: dave49

One Piece Spool

Posted on June 1, 2013 by dave49

For some time, I have been plotting how to make a one piece spool. My spools so far have been assemblies. The difficulty is the limited power and size of my Sherline lathe and mill. Recently I am developing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Milling, Spool, Turning | Leave a comment

Milgrain Tool

Posted on May 26, 2013 by dave49

On the tool post is a milgrain tool. More specifically, it is a lathe milgrain tool, to distinguish it from even smaller milgrain tools used by jewelers. This tool has a one quarter inch diameter wheel and a one eighth … Continue reading →

Posted in Forming, Tools | 4 Comments

A Lesson in Burr Removal

Posted on May 24, 2013 by dave49

When metal is cut, a sharp edge is often left. Part of making a useable product is removing any sharp edges or (even worse) burrs. Even very small details of parts may have detrimental burrs. —— When I developed my … Continue reading →

Posted in Click, Milling, My Reels, Ratchet/Gear | 2 Comments

Spring Mayflies

Posted on May 23, 2013 by dave49

My house is 200 feet from the river bank, and so attracts a few mayflies if lights are on in the evening. The night before last, some dark colored duns came to the screens. 36 hours later, they are molting … Continue reading →

Posted in Bugs | 1 Comment

3D Modelling

Posted on May 21, 2013 by dave49

An engineering student at Washington State University, Keenan, has gained some proficiency with the 3d modelling software “Solidworks”. I don’t believe that he is a fly fisher, but somehow he stumbled across this blog, whereupon he decided that one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Drawing, My Reels | 3 Comments

A Lesson in Thermal Expansion

Posted on May 20, 2013 by dave49

The “Fixed Spindle Reel” is my first design with a bushing that runs the length of the spool. I make the bushing of either Delrin or acetal copolymer, and it rides on a spindle of stainless steel. The fit of … Continue reading →

Posted in My Reels, Repair, Spindle | Leave a comment

Boring Tool Holder

Posted on May 19, 2013 by dave49

This plain aluminum block is a quick-and-dirty holder for round shanked boring tools. I have been struggling with this holder for some time. The problem is that it fastens to the cross slide of the lathe with a single screw. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fixtures, Turning | Leave a comment

Line Volume

Posted on May 10, 2013 by dave49

I have some friends who are interested in small reels. This fits well with my machining resources, as my lathe and mill are quite small (Sherline). So I am working on a new design that can be made in several … Continue reading →

Posted in Spool | Leave a comment

One Reel Available

Posted on May 3, 2013 by dave49

I have completed all orders for my “Fixed Spindle Reel” and now have one complete reel left. Sold as of June 2013.

Posted in My Reels | Leave a comment

A Loss of Concentration

Posted on April 5, 2013 by dave49

This was to be the front spool end of a reel. The very last machining operation is to plunge mill 10 larger lightening holes. It is a repetitive operation; plunge, index 30 degrees, plunge again. But at this radius, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Spool End | 2 Comments