Category Archives: Process

Line Guard

Posted on January 9, 2023 by dave49

Back in 2008/2009, I made several “tuna can” reels. The plans are elsewhere in this blog (search for “Reel 37 Plans”). The second owner of a pair of these was concerned that there was no line guard to protect the … Continue reading →

Posted in Forming, Frame | Leave a comment

More on Powder Coating

Posted on January 21, 2022 by dave49

Terry continues to powder coat his reels. I have not used the process, so the following text is his note: “Powder coating has not been a hard process to master. In fact it is really pretty simple. The most important … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating, Reels by Readers | 2 Comments

Powder Coating

Posted on July 17, 2021 by dave49

My friend Terry has been experimenting with powder coating for reel finish. Powder coating is done with a dc supply aiding the attraction of paint to the object. I quizzed Terry about the process, and here is his explanation: “I … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Turning | Leave a comment

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

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 →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | Leave a comment

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

Internal Grooving

Posted on June 1, 2020 by dave49

When I first got a lathe, I bought a group of randomly selected turning tools from the auction site. These two were a mystery to me and I never tried to use them. This morning I was browsing through Youtube … Continue reading →

Posted in Cutting, Turning | Leave a comment

Lathe Bit Grinding, Redone

Posted on April 29, 2020 by dave49

I posted the article “Lathe Bit Grinding” on 1 July 2013. Since then I have arrived at a better scheme, as described here. Bit grinding is somewhat an art and you will find many alternative styles of lathe bit. My … Continue reading →

Posted in Cutting, Turning | 2 Comments

Faceplate for Minilathe

Posted on October 9, 2018 by dave49

I was working on a new reel design, and realized that several operations would best be done with the parts clamped to a faceplate. The problem, however, is that on my Minilathe, the carriage cannot travel far enough left to … Continue reading →

Posted in Fixtures, Turning, Work Holding | 2 Comments