Penn reels

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Steveynzunza
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Penn reels

Post by Steveynzunza »

What’s the difference between plastic and Bakelite?
Does one enhance the value of a reel?
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Paul M
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Re: Penn reels

Post by Paul M »

Bakelite is an early form of plastic with bakelite being more heat resistant. The chemistry differences are a Google search away.

To tell the difference, a swab of Simichrome polish or Formula 409 will have an effect on Bakelite. For example, if you put a little drop of Simichrome on a cotton swab and rub it on bakelite it will leave a shiny streak on the bakelite and a bit of color from the bakelite will rub off on the swab. (Think twice before doing that because Simichrome will remove the patina from the bakelite and may leave a cosmetic blemish unless you polish the whole surface). As far as I know "modern plastics" used in fishing reels do not react as dramatically to these cleaning agents e.g. the color of a plastic surface does not transfer to a swab with one of these cleaning agents.
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oc1
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Re: Penn reels

Post by oc1 »

Bakelite is a clue to the age of a reel. Age will affect value.
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sdlehr
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Re: Penn reels

Post by sdlehr »

If you don't want to polish the entire surface of your bakelite plate, disassemble the reel and test a spot on the inside with the Simichrome polish. It may still leave a blemish, but it won't be noticeable on the outside.... and who cares if there is a little mark on the inside of the plate?
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Steve
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Re: Penn reels

Post by Steve »

This book, available in the ORCA Store, contains information on various plastics and how to clean them.
"Plastic" is a very general term that refers to remoldable materials. Bakelite, patented in 1907, is a hard plastic made in a defined manner that proved to be a good substitute for the hard rubber (Ebonite) that was commonly used for reels by that time. It would also substitute for celluloid, another plastic used for reels. Many different plastics have been used for reel sideplates, crank knobs, and other parts. The plastics vary a lot in their resistance to damage by cleaning agents, sunlight, etc.

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Book: ANTIQUE FISHING REELS, 2nd Ed.
Websites:
Antique Fishing Reels
Kopf reels
Hendrick reels

"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."
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Wayne B.
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Re: Penn reels

Post by Wayne B. »

Wow, Steve...I have been a member of ORCA for 9+ years and I found my first chance to correct the professor....I think.

Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic. Once it is molded it can not be melted to be remolded. It can be ground up for many purposes providing bulk to many recycling items, like park benches, walkways, curbs, etc.

Most other plastics we are familiar with are thermoplastics. They can be be melted down and reused, albeit with less efficiency, so they can be recycled for other purposes.

Getting back to reels...You have to be very cautious when cleaning newer reels made of plastic. The incorrect solvent can destroy a new (thermoplastic) plastic reel. The old (thermoset) plastic reels are more tolerant, but be careful.
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Steve
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Re: Penn reels

Post by Steve »

Here ya go, Wayne. Here are a few googled definitions. You choose a single adjective:

The name "plastic" refers to the property of plasticity, which is the ability to deform without breaking...Thermosetting polymers, also known as thermosets, solidify into a permanent shape. They are amorphous and considered to have infinite molecular weight. Thermoplastics, on the other hand, can be heated and remolded over and over again.

Materials that can be reshaped (remolded) by applying heat and pressure. Most plastics are made from synthetic resins (polymers) through the industrial process of polymerization.

Plastics are a group of materials, either synthetic or naturally occurring, that may be shaped when soft and then hardened to retain the given shape.

A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into shape while soft, and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.

Manufactured polymers can be three-dimensional networks that do not melt once formed. Such networks are called THERMOSET polymers. Epoxy resins used in two-part adhesives are thermoset plastics. Manufactured polymers can also be one-dimensional chains that can be melted. These chains are THERMOPLASTIC polymers and are also called LINEAR polymers.

Steve Vernon
ORCA Honorary member

Book: ANTIQUE FISHING REELS, 2nd Ed.
Websites:
Antique Fishing Reels
Kopf reels
Hendrick reels

"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."
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