I picked up an old Jigmaster 500 for $30 and broke it down and it seems to be in pretty good shape. Let's say I don't want to put anymore than $30 more dollars into it (we'll see how that goes). All looks good, even the brass gear sleeve, but I may get new one anyway. What would you suggest? Handles, drag system, etc. Love the reel. For reference, it's red, optional 37 cross posts, red plastic spool in good condition. All parts are either original or replaced with matching parts.
I'm looking at a slight chance of 50-60 catfish 4-5 times a year and hit the Gulf 1-2 times for MAYBE a nice grouper or two. Nothing crazy, and one of the larger ones would be seldom.
Looking at Alan's 6-113 drag washer upgrade for starters. He seems to remove the spring washer Key 8 if that's done.
Thanks for any input.
The most important thing is to make sure you are using carbon fiber drag washers -- either Penn HT-100 or Smooth Drag drag washers. I would also strongly recommend that you find an aluminum spool. Those plastic spools were discontinued for a reason, and you don't want to find out why while you're fighting a nice fish.
Sage advice from akfish, That should get you fishing
Quote from: akfish on December 22, 2021, 01:22:08 AM
The most important thing is to make sure you are using carbon fiber drag washers -- either Penn HT-100 or Smooth Drag drag washers. I would also strongly recommend that you find an aluminum spool. Those plastic spools were discontinued for a reason, and you don't want to find out why while you're fighting a nice fish.
Thanks. It keeps erroring out if I try and attach a pic of the washers, as I'm not 100% they are carbon fiber when I thought they were. Definitely no criss cross pattern to them. I don't see where to just drop a pic in within this conversation either.
if your jigmaster already has a set of three ht-100 drag washers, then just grease them and call it done. for the drag washer under the main gear, use the carbontex drag from smoothdrag.com. watch out for the rabbit hole!!!!! ;D
Not a lot you can do to one of those other than Frame,Side Plates,Dual Dog Bridge,Stainless Gear Set, Sleeve ,Carbontex Drags,Spool ,Custom Handle and Knob.
Quote from: alantani on December 22, 2021, 03:47:03 AM
if your jigmaster already has a set of three ht-100 drag washers, then just grease them and call it done. for the drag washer under the main gear, use the carbontex drag from smoothdrag.com. watch out for the rabbit hole!!!!! ;D
You got that right on the rabbit hole! Did they come with HT-100 stock? I did grease black drag washers but now not 100% they're HT or carbon fiber. Not sure how to post a pic. Black but no apparent criss cross but sure didn't seem felt And which carbontex washer at smoothdrag.com? I have 113 on the way.
Quote from: Wompus Cat on December 22, 2021, 04:08:13 AM
Not a lot you can do to one of those other than Frame,Side Plates,Dual Dog Bridge,Stainless Gear Set ,Carbontex Drags,Spool ,Custom Handle and Knob.
That's awesome.
Yeah, having the same Jigmaster for 30 years for many guys here is like having the same axe for 30 years...only replaced the handle 5 times and the head twice!
Both Smooth Drag and HT-100 drag washers have a cross hatch finish; however, after years of use, this crosshatch pattern will wear down. if you can discern a cross hatch pattern, you need to replace the drag washers. As for the washer under the main gear, I just use the standard Penn 004-060. I think it works fine; I'm not convinced a carbon fiber washer under the main gear really does much.
Quote from: akfish on December 22, 2021, 10:38:33 AM
Both Smooth Drag and HT-100 drag washers have a cross hatch finish; however, after years of use, this crosshatch pattern will wear down. if you can discern a cross hatch pattern, you need to replace the drag washers. As for the washer under the main gear, I just use the standard Penn 004-060. I think it works fine; I'm not convinced a carbon fiber washer under the main gear really does much.
That's what I needed. I already had the HT-100 set in my cart, and this confirms it. Wish I'd been more aware to look for the aluminum spool, but at least reel I got is in pretty dang good shape. See if I can track down a spool or decide to go brand new. Thanks again.
Quote from: akfish on December 22, 2021, 10:38:33 AM
Both Smooth Drag and HT-100 drag washers have a cross hatch finish; however, after years of use, this crosshatch pattern will wear down. if you can discern a cross hatch pattern, you need to replace the drag washers. As for the washer under the main gear, I just use the standard Penn 004-060. I think it works fine; I'm not convinced a carbon fiber washer under the main gear really does much.
I think AK meant to say If you can NOT see a cross hatch pattern on the Carbontex type drag discs then the Drags need replacing .
I like using the thicker drag disc under the Sleeve like Alan said too .It makes for a Tighter Fit in the Stack and takes less turns on the Star at first but it is a Personal Preference as it does not provide a LOT more Drag but some .
Quote from: Wompus Cat on December 22, 2021, 12:55:52 PM
Quote from: akfish on December 22, 2021, 10:38:33 AM
Both Smooth Drag and HT-100 drag washers have a cross hatch finish; however, after years of use, this crosshatch pattern will wear down. if you can discern a cross hatch pattern, you need to replace the drag washers. As for the washer under the main gear, I just use the standard Penn 004-060. I think it works fine; I'm not convinced a carbon fiber washer under the main gear really does much.
I think AK meant to say If you can NOT see a cross hatch pattern on the Carbontex type drag discs then the Drags need replacing .
I like using the thicker drag disc under the Sleeve like Alan said too .It makes for a Tighter Fit in the Stack and takes less turns on the Star at first but it is a Personal Preference as it does not provide a LOT more Drag but some .
Yeah, I knew that's what he meant. The thicker drag disc should arrive today or tomorrow, so I may as well at least try it out. Did you remove the spring washer as Alan suggested too? The drag wheel also has a limited range. It only turns about a half revolution. Internally it all seems fine, so I'm not sure what's going on there. The spacing sleeve seems to be the original standard .490 inches, and I have two shorter ones on the way to see if maybe it's blocking the revolutions. But if it's the standard size, it seems it would allow for 4-5 revolutions still. Any ideas??
Well some pics would certainly help .If you can not post them then I will p/m you and address you can send them to me and I will see if I can post them for you . My thoughts are you have too many of something in your array .
You should have more turn on the Star in my opinion .
But if you have a thick drag set-up as in protruding past the gear very much then this will happen and it is not a bad thing necessarily as long as it is not too tight in the backed out position .
Quote from: Wompus Cat on December 22, 2021, 01:59:25 PM
Well some pics would certainly help .If you can not post them then I will p/m you and address you can send them to me and I will see if I can post them for you . My thoughts are you have too many of something in your array .
You should have more turn on the Star in my opinion .
But if you have a thick drag set-up as in protruding past the gear very much then this will happen and it is not a bad thing necessarily as long as it is not too tight in the backed out position .
Well, it keeps erroring out when I try and attach files of a few pics. Let's try via email. Not sure what's going on. I did break it down last week and everything seemed to be as it should. It is fairly easy to turn the spool when the wheel is backed out.
Quote from: scrinch on December 22, 2021, 04:16:10 AM
Yeah, having the same Jigmaster for 30 years for many guys here is like having the same axe for 30 years...only replaced the handle 5 times and the head twice!
Well I did Keep the Handle Nut on the Red Jiggy so it has some original parts .
I do have a few completely stock Reels .
The plastic spools were designed to cast dacron back in the day, as I recall, and did it quite well. Mono constricts under tension and blows the plastic spools. Alumium spool and new drags and you are are prolly at 65 bucks. New one can be had for 80; but this one you know you did the work, and learned along the way (for the next one you buy, lol). I started off with just one, as well, once upon a time, as did Sal, Ted, and a bunch of us. Prolly got 50 by now, counting 501, 505, 506, Cortez, PC, 99, 250's.
John
Here ar some pix he sent .
First LOOKS like there are washers on both sides of his Star so prob can leave out the inner one.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/20463_22_12_21_3_56_50_360711611.jpeg)
Next the ol drags are shot for sure as well as the metals AND looks like there is still a Disk stuck in the Gear .
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/20463_22_12_21_3_56_50_36071580.jpeg)
When changing to CF drags either the 3 stack or 5 stack set up I have found that you have to shorten the spacer sleeve about .035-.045". Rudy
Quote from: RowdyW on December 22, 2021, 04:08:17 PM
When changing to CF drags either the 3 stack or 5 stack set up I have found that you have to shorten the spacer sleeve about .035-.045". Rudy
Thanks. I have two shorter options on the way as a matter of fact.
Quote from: Wompus Cat on December 22, 2021, 04:01:56 PM
Here ar some pix he sent .
First LOOKS like there are washers on both sides of his Star so prob can leave out the inner one.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/20463_22_12_21_3_56_50_360711611.jpeg)
Next the ol drags are shot for sure as well as the metals AND looks like there is still a Disk stuck in the Gear .
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/20463_22_12_21_3_56_50_36071580.jpeg)
Thanks for posting these pics. I appreciate it. I broke it down last week, and it looks like it, but there are no washers by the wheel. I put the wheel on and then right after that the handle. And on the inside that's the spacing sleeve protruding out a bit. I do have two shorter options of that part (key 9) on the way. The drag washer in the gear came out fairly freely, and I had put it back in to start stacking as one of them goes first, and then took the pic. Also have new HT-100 full set coming as well.
Sounds like you have it under control and with the extra Spacers or grind one down like Jo said you should be able to get what you want.
Quote from: thorhammer on December 22, 2021, 02:57:56 PM
The plastic spools were designed to cast dacron back in the day, as I recall, and did it quite well. Mono constricts under tension and blows the plastic spools. Alumium spool and new drags and you are are prolly at 65 bucks. New one can be had for 80; but this one you know you did the work, and learned along the way (for the next one you buy, lol). I started off with just one, as well, once upon a time, as did Sal, Ted, and a bunch of us. Prolly got 50 by now, counting 501, 505, 506, Cortez, PC, 99, 250's.
John
Thanks for the background. I think I have a stainless steel 26-250 spool tracked down.
Quote from: thorhammer on December 22, 2021, 02:57:56 PM
The plastic spools were designed to cast dacron back in the day, as I recall, and did it quite well. Mono constricts under tension and blows the plastic spools. Alumium spool and new drags and you are are prolly at 65 bucks. New one can be had for 80; but this one you know you did the work, and learned along the way (for the next one you buy, lol). I started off with just one, as well, once upon a time, as did Sal, Ted, and a bunch of us. Prolly got 50 by now, counting 501, 505, 506, Cortez, PC, 99, 250's.
John
Quote from: dusdau on December 22, 2021, 04:55:36 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on December 22, 2021, 02:57:56 PM
The plastic spools were designed to cast dacron back in the day, as I recall, and did it quite well. Mono constricts under tension and blows the plastic spools. Alumium spool and new drags and you are are prolly at 65 bucks. New one can be had for 80; but this one you know you did the work, and learned along the way (for the next one you buy, lol). I started off with just one, as well, once upon a time, as did Sal, Ted, and a bunch of us. Prolly got 50 by now, counting 501, 505, 506, Cortez, PC, 99, 250's.
John
Found stainless steel one for $18. Looks in pretty good shape.
Chrome over brass- but perfectly strong enough. Since it's three piece, put a few yards of braid or dacron on the spool first, then tie into your mono (I assume you're using mono to fish; if you fill the whole thing with braid then no matter). If you need some dacron I prolly have some but you wont get it til after Christmas, obviously.
That's a nice red 24-66 knob ya got.
FYI- the brass washers chamfer out very smooth by rubbing on 400 grit or so sandpaper, and finish with 800/ 1000 wet dry paper with a shot of oil. That's a steel gear, which is great. Should you continue to upgrade, next steps if were me would be SS sleeve, power handle, and maybe solid cross bars. Someone around here may have a set from conversions. Full frame and plate kits are bee's knees, without a doubt, but prolly not needed for what your gonna do.
John
Quote from: thorhammer on December 22, 2021, 06:39:55 PM
Chrome over brass- but perfectly strong enough. Since it's three piece, put a few yards of braid or dacron on the spool first, then tie into your mono (I assume you're using mono to fish; if you fill the whole thing with braid then no matter). If you need some dacron I prolly have some but you wont get it til after Christmas, obviously.
That's a nice red 24-66 knob ya got.
FYI- the brass washers chamfer out very smooth by rubbing on 400 grit or so sandpaper, and finish with 800/ 1000 wet dry paper with a shot of oil. That's a steel gear, which is great. Should you continue to upgrade, next steps if were me would be SS sleeve, power handle, and maybe solid cross bars. Someone around here may have a set from conversions. Full frame and plate kits are bee's knees, without a doubt, but prolly not needed for what your gonna do.
John
I had asked the seller for the box sticker info, because I thought maybe it was chrome over brass like you say. Pretty new to this world, but seemed to be. But decided since it was in great shape, and $18, I'd just buy it. Thanks for the spooling tips for that one. Haven't decided mono, flouro, or braid yet. I have braid on two baitcasters and a spinner now, but buddy who seems to know goes with mono on the baitcasters and conventional reels. Also looks like if I hit the Gulf mono or flouro are more commonly used.
Here's some pictures I had. 1)HT-100(part# 6-309) from Penn.
2) cheap upgrade would be a #10-66 drag star, which is larger—but also thicker! I think it's worth it to use this one, but you might haveta shave the drag spacer a bit more. It fits on the 98-60 gear sleeve you have.
Just to think about, the 10-505 drag star is a fine thread unit that fits on a better/stronger stainless steel gear sleeve—the 98-505. This set-up would give you more star adjustability.
#2)
Tap on pic. to enlarge
Quote from: Gfish on December 22, 2021, 08:43:04 PM
#2)
Tap on pic. to enlarge
Nice, thanks for the pics and input. My washers are definitely worn. HT-100 kit on the way. I'm sure I'll catch a little bug like everyone else seems to have on these.
WHO's got a little bug??? that would be a lot cheaper, lol.....everyone I know here has the giant intergalactic cockroach from MIB.
Quote from: dusdau on December 22, 2021, 08:48:39 PM
Quote from: Gfish on December 22, 2021, 08:43:04 PM
#2)
Tap on pic. to enlarge
Nice, thanks for the pics and input. My washers are definitely worn. HT-100 kit on the way. I'm sure I'll catch a little bug like everyone else seems to have on these.
If you need anything else please let me know. I have tons of parts for those reels. Too many..!
Keith
Quote from: thorhammer on December 22, 2021, 09:17:57 PM
WHO's got a little bug??? that would be a lot cheaper, lol.....everyone I know here has the giant intergalactic cockroach from MIB.
I already want to make it a larger 'Senator' So I should just buy a Senator though. And buddy has CNC machining shop and what options I have there, if any.
get a 113H if you want a Senator to mess with. The upgrades available will have you cooking for a while and while you might way overspend for a star drag if you go full Monty, it will handle most anything your average guy is likely to encounter and then some.