OT/ Building a flyreel (now used)more pics

[groundpounder]

I started a project recently of building my own flyreel. You hear all the time about those that get into rod building (and thats next on my list). But I do not hear often about reel builders. With my machinists background and tinkering nature I thought it to be a great project. The drag system was the biggest obstacle! I definitely learned through some trial and error along the way. I settled on a click and pawl drag system. It has a good feel to it. I'll say the reel is a 3-4 weight with its outside diameter just being 2-3/4 inches. It also weighs in at 6.1 ounces. A little on the heavy side for this size reel but with the bronze side plates hard to cut down the weight much more. I could have ported the spool some but I would not have shaved much weight there and I really like the solid spool look. All I'm lacking with the reel now is some polishing but couldn't wait to post it. I'm going to try and fish with it this next week!







One piece spool with gear made into it.


Side plate with pawl for drag system


One piece aluminum foot (alot of file work here)



I took it out fishing today and caught 10 Browns with it.

Here's its first fish


And a few more

[Limbs and Sticks]

Man you got a gift, you could have told me it was made by Penn.

Wes

[Pydpiper]

Simply awesome Todd! Wow.

[Chuck Gravel]

Damm, thats awesome, you have your own lathe and machines?

[one shot scott]

Nice work man!

[Boo]

Evidence of a patient and articulate man! Very nice Todd!

[wabi]

Very nice!

Now that you have the specifications worked out you could try Mg or Ti for side plates if you want to cut weight.
Get it down to about 4.5oz and I'll take one for my 3wt.

[Hoss]

good job bud

[secret]

Looks great !!! Wanna trade a custom rod for one of your custom reels?

[groundpounder]

Damm, thats awesome, you have your own lathe and machines?

Not mine but I have access to a shop

Thanks for all the comments guys! It was definitely a project that I was eager with. It was a fun one too that only tested my patience a couple times (drag system). I mainly just winged this first one working with left over materials and drops. The bronze side plates were actually used thrust washers that I had saved from replacing them on a piece of equipment from work. I have had them in my tool box for several years but knew I would make something out of them one day . I do not know when I'll get started on the second one yet. I'll just have to let the mood hit me.

Hunting season starts next week for me ya know!

[Migabby]

Man, what a talent you have, Todd. Beautiful!!!!

[Kelley]

Fantastic job Todd. Better not put a price on it!
Kelley

[saxman]

SWEET
Nice work my friend.
He builds a great knife also.

[sumner4991]

Todd . . .that's some great work.

[Lakelover]

The bronze side plates were actually used thrust washers that I had saved from replacing them on a piece of equipment from work. I have had them in my tool box for several years but knew I would make something out of them one day

Read my tag line. I just love to take some "stuff" and make something functional.

I can salvage wood to die for. Lots of good packing crates and the like. 1x6 clear pine with a few dents in it.

What do you do for a living?
Regards