Using a Robichaud reel as my inspiration. I plan to machine the spool from a single piece of aluminum. Will probably ask the local metal supply shop to laser cut the side plates. will make the spindle myself from steel and brass. I own about 20 s-handle reels of every style so I have plenty of inspiration.
I will post my progress as it happens. The aluminum is from the metal shop's scrap bin and most of it is 6061. I have a friend who builds custom target air rifles, so i have access to the shop that does his anodizing. I think the biggest challenge will be the fasteners. I am not at the point when I can thread screws with any accuracy, especially in the tinier sizes used on reels. Looking into the appropriate sizes from McMaster-Carr. The gear for the click pawl is also beyond my ability to make, so will be outsourcing that also. Also, I have some different ideas for the click, at least different from that in any reel I own. Its always fun to re-invent the wheel as it were.
And tremendous props to all the reel makers doing this for a living. It is a ton of work to do well. No reel maker is about to become a multi-millionaire.
For many of the operations in to make reels, I really should have a mill. I have a second lathe, an atlas 618. If any one in the los angeles area has a need for a 618, please PM me. Selling it will help finance a mill.
