Category Archives: Frame

Chuck Spider

Posted on July 1, 2020 by

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

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 | 2 Comments

Bronze Frame Reel – Pillars and Screws

Posted on February 6, 2017 by

I have been making pillars from nickel silver. The two pillars that fasten to the foot have cross drilled holes that are off center. This helps balance the Front End Ring with the heavier Rear End Plate. I buy 18% … Continue reading →

Posted in Frame, Plans, Screw | Leave a comment

Bronze Frame Reel – Rear End Plate

Posted on January 29, 2017 by

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

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

Rounding the Corners

Posted on February 24, 2015 by

The is the rear end plate of reel S/N 52, screwed to a tool plate while I round off the corners of the pillar lugs. This is a fussy operation, with fine positioning of the Y and rotary axes to … Continue reading →

Posted in End Plate, Milling | 2 Comments

Reel 37 Frame

Posted on March 17, 2014 by

This is a difficult part; there are many operations and a correspondingly high possibility of making an error that will force a start-over. A step-by-step pictorial is in an earlier post of 10 June 2013, “One Piece Frame”. All the … Continue reading →

Posted in Frame, Plans | Leave a comment

One Piece Frame

Posted on June 10, 2013 by

To go with the one piece spool, I have also made a one piece frame. This is a record of the steps. Face the material on both ends and cut a “grip”, a projection for holding the work in many … Continue reading →

Posted in Frame | 6 Comments

Rear End Plate

Posted on October 9, 2012 by

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

Aluminum Finishing

Posted on August 21, 2012 by

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