Author Archives: dave49

Terry’s Reel #6

Posted on March 26, 2021 by dave49

This is my friend Terry’s most recent reel project. The intended use is steelhead and salmon fishing with heavy tippets. Photo of the finished reel. This reel is 3.75 inch in diameter and is patterned after a Hardy Marquis #9, … Continue reading →

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Improved Cutting?

Posted on January 16, 2021 by dave49

I received a lengthy technical education at Purdue University, and as an astute organization they keep track of me in case I might make them some future bequest. So I get regular bulletins from them covering research activities. One of … Continue reading →

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Reel #5 by Terry

Posted on January 1, 2021 by dave49

This one is a 3.5 inch trout reel, similar in design to previous work by Terry, but an improvement in details. This view of the back of the spool shows the Delrin ratchet, which is one piece with the bushing. … Continue reading →

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Reel #4 by Terry, Trout Size

Posted on December 3, 2020 by dave49

Another reel by Terry from Idaho. He has been busy designing and making one-off reels for his own use. I think this one is just slightly larger than his first reel. Pictures and captions below by Terry. Here a 1-1/4” … Continue reading →

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Third Round, Lathe Bit Grind

Posted on October 21, 2020 by dave49

In two earlier posts, I have shown tool rests that I made for my 6 inch grinder to help with lathe bit grinding. These have been satisfactory for grinding the end and side cutting edges, but are inadequate support for … Continue reading →

Posted in Abrading, Turning | Leave a comment

A Salmon Reel

Posted on October 13, 2020 by dave49

This is the work of my friend Terry, for whom I have shown two other designs. It is a 4.5 inch diameter reel for “big game”. Terry has several decades of experience with salmon fishing including regular visits to Alaska … Continue reading →

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Terry’s Second Reel

Posted on September 5, 2020 by dave49

Terry is bamboo rod maker in Idaho. In June I posted pictures of his first reel. Now he has produced a 2.25 inch diameter reel for a 5 foot bamboo rod. This is about as simple and straightforward as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Reels by Readers | 1 Comment

Anodizing Temperature Control

Posted on August 18, 2020 by dave49

DIY anodizing of aluminum parts is a practical process for home shop reel makers. These earlier posts provide background: Technical Data on Anodizing. Water Cooled Cathode Cool water I anodize reel parts in a 32 ounce polypropylene jar, and the … Continue reading →

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Chuck Spider

Posted on July 1, 2020 by dave49

I finally sold my Sherline lathe, my first machine tool. I could do this because I have made enough upgrades and fixtures for my newer minilathe to produce all reel parts with just it and my mill. The last consideration … Continue reading →

Posted in Ring, Turning, Work Holding | Leave a comment

A “Perfect” Reel Configuration

Posted on June 13, 2020 by dave49

An iconic reel design is the Hardy Perfect. I have never had one in hand to photograph but I did borrow a Hardy Bougle from a friend, and it is the same thing except that the frame is raised pillar … Continue reading →

Posted in Frame, My Reels, Plans, Spool | 4 Comments