There is a persistent and pernicious rumor that floats about that I'm a bit tight with a buck. So in my shop I oftimes use salvage material and / or repurpose stuff to suit my needs. Every so often I am presented with engineering that is so perfect that I am stunned.
So today a "bottom fishing reel" built buy a southern gentleman in the 1930's. Something of a photo essay as it unfolds to the heart of it. A big heavy box with metal braided fishing line coming out the front of it.
Open the lid and there is the spool of the reel, a compartment for gear, and a lid to the mechanism that powers the reel itself. Note that cool vintage Monel braided metal fishing line.
Under the lid is the wind up mechanism for the reels power. Pay out the line to the desired depth, wind up the mechanism and wait for the fish to bite, flick a switch and the spool takes up the line. Not much in the effort department, really.
I was curious about the mechanism, surprisingly lots of torque, an escapement like an old clock to meter the spring power..... I'll give you the same clue that I found on a plate in the box- said that the reel takes in line at precisely 78RPM.
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