Phil's new paperweight

[john elder]

With apologies to Meisselbach, here is the J.E. Mysellbock mfg Co. version of the #50 reel. it's on backorder til after July 4, but will be delivered at that time. All the buttons work and if the wind is right, they sometimes work as intended. Stand is in honor of Uncle Gene, who always planted the pole in the mud with the heel of his boot.

[Rubber Reel Lady]

That reel is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Perhaps Phil might let me put it on my desk occasionally.

[Harvey]

WOW!
John, Your talents far supass anyone that I know. I agree with the RRL in saying that it is most beautiful and is a masterpiece. Here is hoping that it will be on display in Albany.
Thanks for the look-see.
"H"

[Brian F.]

Just amazing, John! I like the boot print. But hey, isn't that a Pflueger thumb break?

[reels4me, member]

John, I`m dumbfounded and with a loss of great words to express my
wonder at what you have accomplished! to say the very LEAST. . . . .
OUTDTANDING !

[john elder]

Thanks for the pats, guyz...and yes, Brian, that "leather" brake is probably a violation, but the #50 I have has one mounted on and it is unmarked, so I decided this one needed it to.

I suppose it's like my buddy, Ward, said about my old corvette..."that's a ten footer!"...meaning, it looks great from a distance maybe not as good at 6 inches, but still fun.

[RonLewis]

What a terrific job - you're definitely a mastercraftsman! One of the pix even looks like the reel has some authentic boat rash - how did you achieve that effect?

[john elder]

Oh, some of the work on friday nites was aided by Budweiser Mfg...lends a bit of authenticity, don't you think?!

[Richard Lodge]

Your craftsmanship is incredible! The detail, the finish, the working parts and the display are simply the best. What a work of art!

[Jim Schottenham]

John, that's outstanding! What a great looking reel! If that's with the help of a few Bud's, I'd like to see your work after a few belts of scotch!
All kidding aside, that's simply a beauty. Nice work!
Jim

[joe klaus]

John:
you've definitely outdone yourself. Beautiful work.

[Steve]

John,
Wow! A truly august creation. Everyone in my cell block loves it.

[Reel Geezer]

John: That sure looks great to me, and it will have a place of honor in our house. Good luck with it at the Fair. It sure lives up to the Meisselbach slogan of "Fishing Reels of Quality."

[Ron Mc]

10 footer? Looks a lot better than those Philippine Dining Utensils.

Great job - that is the coolest.

[Brian F.]

Philipine Mahogany? I think not. So John, you need to give us a run-down on what the parts are made of and what you did to get those parts to work!

[john elder]

Brian: re getting all the parts to work, never underestimate the power of prayer...unfortunately, I haven't been very good about attending church in the last...well..40 or so years, so sometimes things don't work every time. Small wooden gears are problematic and small errors are cumulative, so no one will confuse the workings with the real thing. However, all but the tiny "screws" on the tail stock turn, the "drag" switch works to engage the drag wheel on the spool, and the clicker clicks. the free spool button also works, but there is too much play in the wood axle and gears to get it in and out of gear, so it's more for looks. I used either springs from pens or spring wire to make the springs for the drag, clicker, and free spool.

the sideplates are made from padauk and the frame, x-members, screws, etc are hard maple. The spool and the rod grip are teak, the "leather" thumber is made from black walnut, and the crank knob is Indian rosewood...rod butt is cocobolo. faux rod is hard maple.