Hacked Atlas

stevenm · Post by **stevenm** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 10:51 pm

Wanted to make the front of the reel look kind of like the back of a watch when it was opened up. Still need to make a thin piece of metal that will surround the main gear and go up to keep the spool gear from coming off. (retainer if you will) Also probably going to put holes in the spool itself so there's a lot going on visually in the front. Surprisingly, the reel is still nice and sturdy.

Disclaimer: I was !not! the installer of that super non-period handle

Jason · Post by **Jason** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 1:20 am

What's the point in destroying an antique?

stevenm · Post by **stevenm** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 1:35 am

Because i like it

fishbugman · Post by **fishbugman** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 8:58 am

You could probably peen the pinion stem to keep the gear from coming off without having to add anything else. I guess if you like it and it stays in your collection no one should have a problem with what you do to a reel. However, at the point, it should never leave your collection. You could imagine the stink & wrath of ORC's if it ever ended up on EbAy with the "Vintage Salesman Sampler Cut-Away" description.

stevenm · Post by **stevenm** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:39 pm

Oooo! I never considered that!

I would never...and i mean never...sell it without the new owner understanding what it was.
I think my intentions are shown also by the fact that i posted among all the very discerning individuals of this board.

Thank you for pointing that out. I'll make sure the reel is modified and could never be mistaken as previously mentioned.

Steven

Rick H · Post by **Rick H** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:17 pm

Steve...ya might consider a small piece of plexiglass or lexan patterned to the cut-out. Based on the location of that gear (Dead Center) you could glue a clear rod to the inside of the cover and use it basicaly as a spacer, so that the gear won't pop out toward the plate. Just leave a tiny gap so that the gear turns freely. A little plexi-glass glue on the inside around the edges, should hold the plate and gear in place. (Special Note: I don't think plexi-glass was even a dream back then)

Neat idea...BUT...

...that handle has GOT TO GO

nomdeplume57 · Post by **nomdeplume57** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:03 am

Yep ya kinda Butchered a nice old reel but ya did a good job with the Cut.
Since you all ready Modified it I would leave the handle and do some more polishing and maybe solder the gear to the shaft and the plexiglass /lexan idea is good.

Rick H · Post by **Rick H** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:12 pm

Steve...not to digress...but...The last "High Dollars Spent" for one of these in Near Mint Collector Condition, was nearly $8.00...

Just MHO...Hack away! I have faith that you know the difference between a modified and a true collectible. My bet is...less than 1% intentionally or un-intentionally violate Collector baselines.

stevenm · Post by **stevenm** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:51 pm

Thanks Rick!
I put the ones worth 10 bucks or more on a shelf my wife gave me in her china closet, haha. Anything under that ends up subject to my imagination...
Have you started the antler project yet?
I'm kind of excited about that now...

Rick H · Post by **Rick H** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:40 pm

Not yet...I gotta get thru this backpack trip this comin' weekend. Then...a month in traction...and on with the project! It'll be the next thing I take on. I just gotta figure out wether I'm gonna duplicate and existing "old timer" or create a hybrid from different reels, or make something totally different. Don't know if it'll be a Fly Reel or s Surf Caster or a Bait Caster. Time will tell.

I'll take suggestions!

stevenm · Post by **stevenm** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:49 pm

Builders choice on this one Rick. I'm sure whatever type of reel you turn out will be amazing.
There is no more natural a tool than a fishing reel made from antler. Very neat.