Old school machine shop fix for a 1903 reel

[Mike N]

One of the cool things about growing up in a steel town was the abundance of skilled welders and machinists when your bicycle (or later, dirt bike) needed repairs. About three years ago I dropped off a 1903 patent Chamberlin* Cartridge Hunter reel at an old friend’s massive machine shop.

Albert received his machinist training in Italy before emigrating to the US in the mid 1970s. He told me he would call me when it was done and asked for a set of patent prints, which I provided. He called me today and said the reel was done, just short of three years later. I feel blessed to know some of these old time craftsmen. But, as Dr. Elder reminded me, I’m not ever allowed to complain again about his turn around time.

*corrected the spelling of Chamberlin, not Chamberlain

Here are some photos:

[Mike N]

Note how Albert drew his own schematic on the patent drawings I gave him for the spool he had to make. He also made several screws.

[wrong99]

Awesome. Hopefully, people like him won't be lost to history anytime soon.

[Mike N]

Awesome. Hopefully, people like him won't be lost to history anytime soon.

Boy, I hope not.

[spadej1]

Hey Mike, how about some close up photos of the finished product? A new spool, rings and screws is pretty impressive so I’d love to see how it all “turned” out! You think he can make a large aluminum pulley for a combine on the cheap?

[Mike N]

Hey Mike, how about some close up photos of the finished product? A new spool, rings and screws is pretty impressive so I’d love to see how it all “turned” out! You think he can make a large aluminum pulley for a combine on the cheap?

[spadej1]

Excellent! Thanks

[Paul Roberts]

Awesome. Hopefully, people like him won't be lost to history anytime soon.

Hear, hear!