Category Archives: Plans

Bronze Frame Reel – Foot

Posted on February 2, 2017 by dave49

The foot is made mainly by milling operations. The challenge is sequencing these operations so that the part can be clamped. Only recently did I figure out how to cut the top surface with my lathe. Earlier posts on the … Continue reading →

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Bronze Frame Reel – Rear End Plate

Posted on January 29, 2017 by dave49

The rear end plate has many details. I have been making this from C544 bronze rod, but c360 brass flat bar could also be used. For the 3 weight reel, the ratchet gear is too small diameter to allow a … Continue reading →

Posted in End Plate, Plans | Leave a comment

Bronze Frame Reel – Front End Ring

Posted on January 26, 2017 by dave49

The North Branch Reels metal shop is not yet back in operation after its relocation from Michigan to New Mexico. I have unpacked almost all the moving boxes and built two new workbenches. Here you see the mill on one … Continue reading →

Posted in Plans, Ring | 4 Comments

Reel 37 Click Hardware

Posted on March 25, 2014 by dave49

This is the last of the “Reel 37” drawings. A drill point dimple helps to distinguish the pawl pin from the two spring pins. The spring is easily bent with round nose pliers.

Posted in Click, Plans, Spring | 2 Comments

Reel 37 Crank Hardware

Posted on March 24, 2014 by dave49

These parts are all made from c792 nickel silver, a free machining alloy. The “cup” keeps tippet from getting wound around the knob pin.

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Reel 37 Pawl

Posted on March 23, 2014 by dave49

The acetal pawl is slightly asymmetric so that line payout is at higher resistance than retrieval. In earlier reel designs I put a spacing washer between the pawl and backplate, but this little washer was difficult to make. Here the … Continue reading →

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Reel 37 Bushing, Knob

Posted on March 22, 2014 by dave49

The bushing is pressed into the spool, and rides on a .2500 inch diameter spindle. For a good running fit, I finish the bushing bore with a “standard” 6.4 mm (0.252 inch) reamer. This is a close enough fit that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bushing, Knob, Plans, Ratchet/Gear | Leave a comment

Reel 37 Spindle

Posted on March 20, 2014 by dave49

I have been making spindles from stainless shaft material, which is pre-ground to an accurate diameter and smooth finish. The screw that secures the spool is of c792 nickel silver (12% Ni) which is an excellent free machining material.

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Reel 37 Spool

Posted on March 19, 2014 by dave49

On fixed spindle reels like this, the knob and its counterweight attach directly to one face of the spool. So I have made the face flange thick enough to accept 4-40 screw threads. A step-by-step pictorial on making this part … Continue reading →

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Reel 37 Foot

Posted on March 18, 2014 by dave49

The foot is entirely made on the mill, except that I use the lathe to turn a sanding mandrel for the bottom surface. For the many posts on machining the foot, go over to “Categories” at the right edge of … Continue reading →

Posted in Foot, Plans | Leave a comment