REEL SEATS: THE PROCESS
All of the reel seats you see in the following photos are components that are fashioned in my small shop. The nickel silver butt caps and sliding bands are turned on my lathe, fashioned, knurled and ultimately polished. I have always been attracted to the classic style of these types of reel seats, meaning the lock down is simply applied pressure to the sliding band. This type of Leonard style reel seat is what I used as a model to figure out how to achieve actual construction. From the failures I experienced, more clarity emerged in learning where the design needed extra thought and care.
The cork spacers are made from titanium, and even these have been taking on a design that I have been pleased with from the more simple, thin spacers built earlier on. The weight of titanium allows this freedom to initiate a design comparable to sliding band and cap.
The wood that is used is from a collection of exotic and domestic hardwoods I have packed away for years, not really knowing what the use would be other than a small project here and there. Here, too, a dilemma and evolution of jigs to stabilize the round spacer for the mortising. And, as with all detail projects that I undertake, reading about the process is only a small part of my learning. I have to work with the tools to form an end product that is functioning with a consistent output.
The reason why I began reel seat construction was rooted in the question “how do I compliment a hand-built bamboo fly rod with a satisfying reel seat”? I know what goes into building a bamboo fly rod, and aside from the guides and tip, everything is made in the shop. It’s a feeling, this process, and a passion that always burns, sometimes just a pilot light, but as you may know, even these times are necessarily advantageous.
Each reel seat is uniquely fashioned with different patterns of knurling on the cap, ring, and cork seat ring. The woods are beautifully grained. It is a pleasure to see the pattern emerge from the wood as it is turned on the wood lathe. The finish on the wood is ‘tried and true’ a mixture of linseed oil and bees wax. The reel seat you chose will be an elegant finishing touch to any fly rod that you make.
REEL SEAT DIMENSIONS:
All of the reel seats have the following dimensions unless otherwise noted:
Nickel silver cap and slide
Titanium cork spacer
3-1/2 inches long
3/8th inches ID
11/16ths OD
The following photos are samples of what has been fabricated, mostly sold, but there are several pieces I still possess that have not. If you find a particular piece that you are interested in, that is the style of knurling and type of insert, I will check for availability and send a photo if you would like. As mentioned, each piece is clearly different but similar. I have included some photos of seats with darkened hardware as well. Remember that what is shown may not be available but I am working on making more. If you have any requests, please be specific and I will do my best to accommodate.
The pricing for the reel seats that are NS hardware without darkening are $48.00 while the darkened pieces are $52.00 plus shipping which is generally $3.50 domestic first class, USA.
Each picture is identified with the type of wood that the reel seat is made from. Click on the picture to see an enlarged view.
Please contact me with any questions regarding the products. Contact information is on the Contact page. I look forward to hearing from you, Walter
The following photos of the reel seats are all gone. These are sample photos of what I still construct. If you are interested in any style presented, please call or email for some images of what is currently in stock. The quality remains no less than what you are seeing in the photo list. All the best.
Item #RS109 (left): Goncala Alvei (Brazilian Zebra), $52.00 SOLD
Item #RS110 (right): Red Paduk, $48.00 SOLD
(left): Black Walnut SOLD
(right): Koa SOLD
Item # RS106 (left): Goncala Alvei, $52.00 Sold
Item # RS107 (right): Goncala Alvei, $52.00 SOLD
Item #RS105 (left): Red Paduk, 
(center left): Black Walnut, SOLD
(upper right): Goncala Alvei, SOLD
(lower right): Koa, SOLD
(left): Black Walnut, SOLD
(center): Goncala Alvei, $58.00 SOLD
(right): Black Walnut SOLD
Item #RS102 (left): Goncala Alvei, $48.00 SOLD
Item #RS104 (right): Goncala Alvei, $58.00 SOLD
Goncala Alvei wood, Aluminum Cork Seat Ring,
Brazilian Tulipwood insert, darkened Nickel Silver (DNS) hardware
Black walnut burl insert, Darkened NS Hardware
Brazilian Tulip wood, DNS hardware
Another sample of Brazilian tulip wood with DNS
Samples of inserts for production
In this photo the three inserts to the left are from a root burl from Thuya spp. Once grouped with Thuja, Cedar, and although still in the Cedar group, this is found in Northern Morocco, southern Spain and the Island of Malta.
I will fabricate any wooden insert, with this simple sliding band system you want, as long as I have the ingredients.