Category Archives: Reel Parts

Bronze Frame Reel – Spool

Posted on February 12, 2017 by dave49

Recently I have been making spools from a single piece of aluminum, even though it takes a lot of time to remove all the waste material. An advantage of using aluminum is its light weight, and the most significant aspect … Continue reading →

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Bronze Frame Reel – Spindle

Posted on February 9, 2017 by dave49

I make spindles from stainless shaft material that is already ground to a fine finish. It is important that this part screws all the way into the Rear End Plate. There is a thread relief counterbore in the plate, but … Continue reading →

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Bronze Frame Reel – Pillars and Screws

Posted on February 6, 2017 by dave49

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 →

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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 →

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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

A Foot Fixture for the Lathe

Posted on July 24, 2016 by dave49

Since starting this hobby in 2010, I have built about 50 reels. For every one of these, I shaped the top of the reel foot with a vertical mill using this rotary table fixture. This is a labor intensive process … Continue reading →

Posted in Fixtures, Foot, Turning | Leave a comment

Wire Bending

Posted on June 13, 2016 by dave49

Here is the latest variation on my reel click design. I have used this basic pattern for a long time. The spring is a round wire and the pawl has a groove that acts as a cam against it. Click … Continue reading →

Posted in Forming, Spring | Leave a comment

Bushing/Clicker Wheel

Posted on April 7, 2016 by dave49

For several months I have been building an engraving mill and not producing any reels. So now I am back on reels, and have to re-familiarize myself with the processes. At the center of the reel is a critical part … Continue reading →

Posted in Bushing, Ratchet/Gear, Thrust Bearing | Leave a comment

A Bullet Shaped Knob

Posted on November 6, 2015 by dave49

This is the knob shape that I have adopted for recent reel designs. The profile is a concave curve. I like the appearance, and it provides a positive grip. Last night I was talking to a prospective customer and the … Continue reading →

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