My first flyreel

[tarawa]

Making my own fly reel has been on my retirement bucket list for years. Turned 70 this year and figured I better get busy if I ever wanted to build one. I contemplated an old style brass reel, but decided to take a different path. I am not a trained machinist, just a hack,, so be easy on me! Note this pic was taken prior to installing the red phenolic handle and counter weight.

 

[Eyerelief]

Making my own fly reel has been on my retirement bucket list for years. Turned 70 this year and figured I better get busy if I ever wanted to build one. I contemplated an old style brass reel, but decided to take a different path. I am not a trained machinist, just a hack,, so be easy on me! Note this pic was taken prior to installing the red phenolic handle and counter weight.

Beautiful! I have making a fly reel on my to do list as well. Please tell me more. Material, drag system, line weight, anything you are willing to share.

 

[tarawa]

Materials- Aluminum, brass, stainless steel, titanium and Delrin.
No drag. A hybrid magnetic braking (anti-backlash) system.
Bushing and clutch bearing over a titanium center post.
A tad heavy at about 12 ounces, but it balances nicely on a 9’ 6wt rod.

 

[tarawa]

With the magnetic brake, it feels like an older click and pawl system. You feel the click but it is silent. Feels great.

 

[tarawa]

Things that I would do differently:
1) Make everything thinner than I think it should be. I tend to build everything a bit beefier than it needs to be.
2) I would also build the spool in three pieces instead of billet. A little old school but it is a lot less wasteful.
3) I would incorporate the braking system into the frame and spool to narrow up the profile. Now it is a completely independent component.

 

[eotrfish]

Interesting brake system - well done!

 

[Eyerelief]

Things that I would do differently:
1) Make everything thinner than I think it should be. I tend to build everything a bit beefier than it needs to be.
2) I would also build the spool in three pieces instead of billet. A little old school but it is a lot less wasteful.
3) I would incorporate the braking system into the frame and spool to narrow up the profile. Now it is a completely independent component.

Absolutely impressive! I really like the silent clicker. I modify all my reels to be silent. I like the large arbor also. What is the spool diameter? Do you think you will anodize it?

 

[tarawa]

3 3/8” diameter. I will take the rest of measurements later.

 

[Eyerelief]

3 3/8” diameter. I will take the rest of measurements later.

That’s enough. Just curious about the diameter. Can’t wait to hear how it does with fish!

 

[homebrewed]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing!