Just curious, I know this would be a huge headache .

EDIT: More specifically a baitcaster

That would be some project and an achievement. Obviously, financially, their would be no benefit.

If I had an inovation that I wanted to sell to a company, then I would consider the project, but would try to modify existing first if possible.

Are you going to do it and what are your reasons?

Dave

The only idea I ever came up with for a reel 'enhancement' was to put a tiny clamp inside the reel to put your line through (so you don't have to tie to the reel). But that's a dumb idea, I just use electrical tape now

I have a couple of reels that I would love to make a hybrid between them. I like the levelwind system on one, but don't like the clutch assembly on it. The other has a nice clutch assembly but, I don't like the levelwind system.

Obviously it wouldn't be the best fit financially to build a reel from scratch, but it would be totally custom and more specifically fit exactly to what you like.  I was just curious if anyone has tried doing it, I think it's a little too big of a task for me to handle by myself.

Apart from an in-depth knowledge of different reels, I think mastery of a descent CAD package would be a necessity, to keep track of the project.

Their would be some interesting casting problems, that would offer the opportunity to do something cool with the aesthetics.

Dave

Apart from an in-depth knowledge of different reels, I think mastery of a descent CAD package would be a necessity, to keep track of the project.

Their would be some interesting casting problems, that would offer the opportunity to do something cool with the aesthetics.

Dave

Also working knowledge of CAM software

    -gk

Looks like the answer to your question is a big no. It would not be worth your time and money.

Looks like the answer to your question is a big no. It would not be worth your time and money.

Appears that way.  Some people have more time and money then what they know what to do with, too bad I'm not one of them.

Their is no doubt that it is a daunting project. Hell, just stripping down a bought reel is daunting to most people. If you really want to do it, the task is not impossible or totally outragious.

The way forward is to design around existing and readily available components were possible, rather than designing from scratch and having to manufacture special parts.

The job starts off with a design specification. A list of features that you want incorporated into the machine. What do you want it to do. If your spec is not met by anything on the market, then the project could be a 'go'.

You are surrounded by expert 'users', who could help you write a spec of the ideal reel. What are the failings or weak points of reels. What are the strong points of certain reals. Can these features be combined? These are questions that can be asked and answered long before you break out the tools.

Dave

Their is no doubt that it is a daunting project. Hell, just stripping down a bought reel is daunting to most people. If you really want to do it, the task is not impossible or totally outragious.

The way forward is to design around existing and readily available components were possible, rather than designing from scratch and having to manufacture special parts.

The job starts off with a design specification. A list of features that you want incorporated into the machine. What do you want it to do. If your spec is not met by anything on the market, then the project could be a 'go'.

You are surrounded by expert 'users', who could help you write a spec of the ideal reel. What are the failings or weak points of reels. What are the strong points of certain reals. Can these features be combined? These are questions that can be asked and answered long before you break out the tools.

Dave

Made from scratch is his question.

I'm not sure that Vodkaman is that far off. How many more different gears can be designed that haven't been designed already and how much do you seriously think that can be expanded upon? For the most part, a reel has a helical main drive gear (for baitcasters), a worm drive gear (for baitcasters), beveled gears (for spinning reels) and spur gears for pretty much both reels. Same with bearings.

These are the most basic components of a reel. The only thing your designing is added features and, like I mentioned in another post on this thread, maybe changing some "systems" to customize your own reel.

Now come up with a braking system that is guaranteed not to backlash in any condition, and you will be a rich man!

JMHO

Their is no doubt that it is a daunting project. Hell, just stripping down a bought reel is daunting to most people. If you really want to do it, the task is not impossible or totally outragious.

The way forward is to design around existing and readily available components were possible, rather than designing from scratch and having to manufacture special parts.

The job starts off with a design specification. A list of features that you want incorporated into the machine. What do you want it to do. If your spec is not met by anything on the market, then the project could be a 'go'.

You are surrounded by expert 'users', who could help you write a spec of the ideal reel. What are the failings or weak points of reels. What are the strong points of certain reals. Can these features be combined? These are questions that can be asked and answered long before you break out the tools.

Dave

Could be interesting to use already existing.  I'm sure over the years parts for reels have been heavily refined.  Obviously it didn't just all come together at once, so there was trial and error along the way.  I wonder where the very first reel originated from?

Made from scratch is his question.

You are of coarse correct, but sometimes it is not a bad idea to expand a discussion to encompass the realm of possibility and feasibility of a subject. Otherwise the answer to the question would be "No", end of discussion.

Building a prototype from generally available engineering parts and even 'spare parts' from other reels is perfectly acceptable. If you plan on taking the successful prototype to the next stage and start thinking about production, then you would have to think about patent infringement. It would be better to use individual parts rather than assemblies.

It all depends of the reason for the build in the first place. If the build was a 'one off', just so that the builder can cross 'build a fishing reel' off his bucket list, then none of the above matters.

Dave

I'd take up fly fishing if I were you. Their reels have fewer parts I think.

Yeah we made 'em ourselves and used 'em all the time when we was kids.   They never backlashed and they never needed any maintenance and they caught tons of fish!

We just called 'em a "cane pole" 

My buddy is an engineer and he's made his own fly reels. There are a few guys up here designing and machining their own centerpins. Its very expensive. I doubt the layperson would have access or all of the skills to make a baitcaster or spinner.

If money were not an issue, this is something I would really consider delving into, being the curious, "how do things work" and can I build one myself (and learn as I go) kind of guy.

I don't know what it is, but to me, there is something that is therapeutic in making something with your own hands and noggin that actually works. I've done so with making crank and jerkbaits from scratch, trial and error and all, but those accomplishments would pale in comparison to crafting a reel from scratch.

It would definitely mean Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark, or Richie Rich cash to have at my disposal. ;D

Yeah we made 'em ourselves and used 'em all the time when we was kids. They never backlashed and they never needed any maintenance and they caught tons of fish!

We just called 'em a "cane pole"

You are mistaken HotRod. It was called "Empty Old Style Can"