Author Archives: dave49

Rear End Plate

Posted on October 9, 2012 by dave49

I have made prototypes of two sizes of my “Fixed Spindle Reel” (see post immediately preceding this one), and am now starting the first reel for a customer. Also, I have committed to deliver a plan set by the end … Continue reading →

Posted in End Plate | Leave a comment

Reel for WF3F

Posted on October 3, 2012 by dave49

Here is a smaller version of my Fixed Spindle Reel. It is 2.25 ring diameter, 3.7 ounces, and holds WF3F plus 25 yards backing. Many of the parts are identical to those of the original, larger reel. Just the end … Continue reading →

Posted in My Reels | 1 Comment

Acid Concentration

Posted on September 19, 2012 by dave49

My reelmaking is quite dependent on the anodizing process. Running this process consistently means controlling three conditions: 1. Current density (12 A/in^2) 2. Temperature (68 deg F) 3. Acid concentration Recently it occurred to me that my acid mixing is … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating, Measuring | 1 Comment

Hardness Test

Posted on September 5, 2012 by dave49

On 15 Dec 2012, I posted about some aluminum rod stock that was supposed to be 7075, but might be something else because it did not anodize properly. I theorized that it might be 2024 (a known poor anodizer) because … Continue reading →

Posted in Measuring, Testing | Leave a comment

Downsized Click

Posted on September 3, 2012 by dave49

My new “Fixed Spindle Reel” is 2.78 inch diameter, but I also intend to make a smaller version of 2.28 inch diameter. The two versions can use mostly the same parts, except that end plates and spool ends must be … Continue reading →

Posted in Click, Pawl, Ratchet/Gear | Leave a comment

Spindle Wrench Set

Posted on August 31, 2012 by dave49

The fixed spindle of my new reel design is a piece of stainless shaft material that holds a bronze thrust washer against the reel back plate. It is secured by a custom screw with a large head. I did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | Leave a comment

Fixed Spindle Reel

Posted on August 27, 2012 by dave49

My earlier designs were “rotating spindle”, which require full front and back end plates and a crank to turn the spool. This new design is “fixed spindle” which means an open front end ring, no crank, and a spool that … Continue reading →

Posted in My Reels | 5 Comments

Electrolytic Coloring

Posted on August 24, 2012 by dave49

My anodized aluminum reel parts have mostly been undyed, that is, clear anodize. I did try out some dyes (23 April 2012) and even produced a reel with black end plates (9 May 2012). Other than black, I did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | 4 Comments

Water Cooled Cathode

Posted on August 22, 2012 by dave49

When anodizing, power is dissipated in the cell and heats the water/acid electrolyte. The heat has two components, electrical resistance heating of the anode’s barrier layer and heat of formation of the oxide film. For example, if the anode area … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | 5 Comments

Aluminum Finishing

Posted on August 21, 2012 by dave49

By now I have made enough reel parts of aluminum to have established a routine procedure for finishing. My goal is to arrive at a finish that is uniform but not highly reflective. If the aluminum is shiny before anodizing, … Continue reading →

Posted in Abrading, Frame | Leave a comment